The story of Benjamin Fredrick: Nigeria's new secret weapon for AFCON 2025

For years, the Super Eagles’ defence has been a source of both pride and recurring anxiety. However, the emergence of Benjamin Chiemela Fredrick, a 20-year-old central defender, has quickly shifted the narrative.

From the dusty pitches of Kaduna to the professional leagues of Europe, Fredrick’s meteoric rise has positioned him as Nigeria’s potential “secret weapon” for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

In this article, Hassan Abdulsalam details the story of the young defender who has never been substituted since his senior national team debut.

Benjamin Fredrick's journey began not in the privileged confines of an established club but in the tough and demanding world of grassroots Nigerian football.

Fredrick was born in Kaduna and was scouted and nurtured at the Simoiben Football Academy (the Simoiben Foundation), a talent factory founded by Super Eagles winger and mentor, Moses Simon.

It was here that his raw talent was spotted and refined before he moved to gain experience in the Nigerian Professional leagues.

Fredrick was loaned to ABS FC in the Nigeria National League (NNL) and then the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Nasarawa United.

His time in the NPFL, though brief, was vital. He often speaks about the "hustle" of his early years, sometimes having to work just to afford his own boots.

Fredrick’s performances in the domestic and international youth circuits quickly attracted European attention, leading to a move that accelerated his development.

Fredrick was a cornerstone of Nigeria's U-20, the Flying Eagles (Nigeria U-20) defence, playing every minute as the team clinched a bronze medal at the 2023 U-20 AFCON and reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Nigeria edged out Egypt to claim their fifth bronze medal in U-20 AFCON history at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

In 2023, he joined Brentford FC in the English Premier League on a loan, which was quickly made permanent with a four-year contract in April 2024.

He was voted the Under-21s Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates in his debut season.

To further his development, Brentford loaned him to FCV Dender EH in the Belgian Pro League in July 2025 for him to gain more experience and have more playing time.

Fredrick's transition to the Super Eagles has been remarkably seamless, earning him the trust of Coach Eric Chelle and high praise from veteran players.

He debuted for the senior national team in a friendly against Jamaica in May 2025, a match Nigeria won on penalties to lift the Unity Cup.

Captain William Troost-Ekong quickly endorsed him, publicly describing him as “the future” of Nigeria’s defence.

Fredrick has featured in all of Nigeria’s recent matches, including the World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda, South Africa, Lesotho, and the decisive 4-0 victory over Benin. He was in full action against Gabon and DR Congo in the World Cup qualifiers.

The young star has never been substituted since making his senior debut for Nigeria. He plays every single minute.

In the World Cup playoff against Gabon, Fredrick delivered an outstanding performance, successfully neutralising the deadly partnership of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga.

He also provided an assist for Victor Osimhen's goal, earning him the Man of the Match award.

Fredrick is not just a replacement; he is a solution to Nigeria's defensive flexibility and ball-playing needs.

Primarily a centre-back, Fredrick’s greatest asset is his versatility. He has slotted in seamlessly at right-back in the qualifier against DR Congo and can even play as a defensive midfielder. This adaptability is gold for Chelle, allowing for important tactical shifts during high-pressure AFCON matches.

Nicknamed by some as the player with a "fearless composure," he rarely panics on the ball. He models his game after Sergio Ramos, emphasising a relentless winning mentality and a desire to retain possession, making him an excellent modern, ball-playing defender.

His height (1.87m / 6'2") and strength allow him to dominate aerial duels, while his pace enables him to recover quickly, shutting down counter-attacks.

As the Super Eagles look to win their 4th AFCON title in Morocco, the quiet, focused defender from Kaduna is set to emerge from the background and become one of the team's most relied-upon performers.