Rangers include two Nigerians in squad for UEFA Champions League second round qualifier

Rangers have confirmed their squad for the the upcoming UEFA Champions League second round qualifier against Panathinaikos, with two Nigerian players making the cut.

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has been included in the squad despite ongoing speculation surrounding his future at Ibrox Stadium.

He is joined on the roster by summer signing Emmanuel Fernandez, who is set to begin his first campaign with the Scottish Premiership giants following his move from Peterborough United.

Although he is eligible for England's Three Lions, Fernandez is keen on representing the Super Eagles and is in the process of acquiring a Nigerian passport to make that possible.

Rangers will begin their European campaign against Greek club Panathinaikos at Ibrox on Tuesday night, before travelling out to Athens for the return-leg the following week.

While Dessers has yet to feature in Rangers' pre-season, having been left out of their first two matches, Fernandez appeared in both fixtures against Club Brugge and Barnsley.

The Nigeria international boasts extensive experience in European competitions, having made 48 appearances across various tournaments, including 22 in the UEFA Europa League, 13 in the UEFA Conference League, eight in Champions League qualifiers and five in Europa League qualifying rounds.

Goalscoring central defender Fernandez will be hoping to make his European debut against Panathinaikos.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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