‘Well positioned, pacy, decisive’ — Super Eagles legend hails Fredrick after Gabon masterclass

Super Eagles legend Sunday Oliseh has showered praise on rising defensive star Benjamin Fredrick after his outstanding display in Nigeria’s 4–1 playoff victory over Gabon.

The win pushed the Super Eagles a step closer to the 2026 World Cup, but it was Fredrick’s composure, maturity and defensive brilliance that stole the spotlight for many viewers, including Oliseh himself.

In a message on X after the match, Oliseh described Fredrick as the standout performer of the night, saying, “I personally found Benjamin Fredrick to be the most influential player yesterday versus Gabon. Always well positioned, pacy, decisive and played simple.”

His assessment reflected what millions of Nigerians witnessed: a 20-year-old who played with the calmness of a seasoned veteran.

While Victor Osimhen grabbed the headlines by scoring a dramatic extra-time brace, redeeming himself after an unusually wasteful showing earlier in the match, it was Fredrick who ensured Nigeria remained defensively stable throughout.

The on-loan Brentford defender read the game brilliantly, shutting down Gabon’s attacks and refusing to give Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang even a glimmer of opportunity.

His anticipation, timing and decision-making were repeatedly on display, including a first-half moment where he calmly retained possession instead of opting for a panicked clearance.

Oliseh ended his message with a rallying cry for the upcoming final, adding, “Now let’s celebrate today. But from tomorrow, CONGO needs to be our next victim.”

Remarkably, Fredrick made his first competitive start for Nigeria just two months ago, yet he already looks indispensable. His consistency, poise and game intelligence have shocked many, especially given his age and limited experience at the top level.

Against Gabon, he once again justified coach Eric Chelle’s decision to start him ahead of captain William Troost-Ekong, a move that raised eyebrows initially but now appears fully vindicated.

With every match, Fredrick looks more like the natural long-term leader of Nigeria’s backline.

If his current form continues, the Super Eagles may be witnessing the emergence of their next defensive pillar, and possibly the beginning of a new era where Fredrick permanently replaces Ekong as the starting centre-back.