Emmanuel Fernandez, a defender for the Super Eagles, has shared the emotional story behind his choice of the number 37 jersey for the national team.
The Super Eagles star, who recently made his debut in a friendly match against Iran, explained in an interview with Rangers TV that the number carries deep personal meaning, as it honours his late brother.
According to Fernandez, his brother passed away at the age of 37, and wearing the number is his way of keeping his memory alive. He noted that the significant age gap between them meant he always looked up to his brother, who had already built a life with a career in engineering and a family of his own.
The defender added that the loss had a profound impact on him, but he returned to football shortly after. Since then, he has dedicated every moment on the pitch to his brother, using the jersey number as a constant source of motivation and remembrance.