Newly capped Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has revealed the deeply personal reason he chose to wear the number 37 jersey for Nigeria.
The Rangers centre-back, who made his Nigeria debut as a second-half substitute in a 2–1 friendly win over Iran, explained that the number is a tribute to his late brother, who died at the age of 37. Fernandez said wearing his brother’s number helps him honour his memory every time he steps onto the pitch.
Speaking to Rangers TV, Fernandez shared how close they were and what his brother meant to him. He recalled that his brother was more than 15 years older, having a family of his own and a career as an engineer before he passed away.
“My brother passed away at 37, so it’s like the only way to do things for him. Obviously, the age gap was over 15 years, so as I was growing up, he was having his children and going to the university,” Fernandez said.
He also described his brother as someone with “good, charismatic energy” who always supported and helped others, especially around meaningful moments like Christmas.
“Every Christmas, everyone got a present, even if it was something little. I’m grateful for him. Some things in life are more important than others… It makes me want to fight to see how far I can go,” Fernandez added.
Fernandez’s story gives fresh emotional meaning to the number on his back, turning it into a symbol of love, loss and motivation as he begins his journey in the green-and-white jersey.
