Highly-rated Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick is set to miss the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after picking up a knee injury on Friday, Bold Sports reports.
The 20-year-old, who played all 120 minutes in both of Nigeria’s CAF World Cup playoff clashes against Gabon and DR Congo sustained the injury while training with Belgian side FCV Dender EH, where he currently plays on loan from Brentford.
Veteran BBC Journalist Oluwashina Okeleji broke the news on Tuesday via his X handle, posting: “#BrentfordFC’s #Nigeria defender Benjamin Fredrick set to miss #AFCON2025 with knee injury picked up in training at Belgian club Dender on Friday.”
“Expected to return to action after the tournament. The rising star started his country’s last six games under Eric Chelle.”
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The injury would serve as bad news for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle who gave Benjamin Fredrick his International debut, and since then has made him a consistent starter for the national team.
The defender made his debut in the Unity Cup final in London against Jamaica, where Nigeria won on penalties to lift the trophy. Since then, he has started six straight games for the Super Eagles, featuring both in center back and right back positions.
The injury would also be viewed as a big blow for FCV Dender who currently sit bottom of the Belgian Pro League with eight points in 15 games.
Benjamin Fredrick had featured in 14 league games, starting 10 times for the team. With his absence until January, the club would have to find another solution in defense as they look to avoid relegation.
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