Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has come under fresh criticism despite Rangers’ 1-0 victory over St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night, after former goalkeeper Cammy Bell faulted his decision-making during the game, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Fernandez started alongside Olwethu Makhanya as Rangers secured the three points through Bojan Miovski’s 91st-minute winner at Ibrox.
Despite the victory and clean sheet, the Nigerian defender was involved in a second-half incident that could have proved costly after losing possession in a dangerous area while attempting to play out from the back.
Former Rangers goalkeeper Bell, who now works as a commentator for Rangers TV, was unimpressed with Fernandez’s decision.
“When you’re a centre-half, you need to make better decisions. These are bad decisions. That flick there. Can’t be doing that,” Bell said in comments reviewed by Rangers News.
“He’s an excellent player, but you just cannot do that.”
The latest criticism comes shortly after Fernandez addressed earlier scrutiny over his performances following Rangers’ slow start to the season.
Speaking before Wednesday’s game, the defender said he remained focused on improving rather than paying attention to outside criticism.
“I don’t really look into what is said about me. I just try to focus on myself and try to improve to be better,” Fernandez said.
The centre-back also identified concentration in key moments as an area he needed to improve, admitting that small mistakes could give opponents opportunities to attack.
Fernandez enjoyed an impressive debut season at Rangers after joining from Peterborough United in 2025, but has struggled to reproduce the same level of consistency this campaign.
While Wednesday’s victory extended Rangers’ recent winning run, the latest error is likely to keep the spotlight on Fernandez as he looks to respond to the criticism with improved performances.