Meet Benjamin Fredrick: The Rising Star Shining Bright for the Super Eagles

Benjamin Fredrick has quickly become one of the most talked-about young talents in Nigerian football following his impressive performances for the Super Eagles in their recent World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic. The 18-year-old defender proved his quality and maturity beyond his years, helping Nigeria secure a dominant 4-0 win over Benin in Uyo, a result that sealed the team’s spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.

Despite being played out of his usual central defensive position, Fredrick showed remarkable versatility and composure at right back, effectively shutting down opposition attacks and earning praise from fans and pundits alike.

Here are five key facts about the fast-rising defender:

Fredrick began his football journey at Simoiben Academy in Kaduna, a youth academy founded by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon and his wife, Ibukun. Before moving abroad, he featured for ABS FC in the Nigeria National League and later for Nasarawa United in the NPFL, making six appearances in the 2023 season.

The young defender joined English Premier League side Brentford in 2023, where he won the club’s Youth Player of the Year award before signing a long-term contract. Known for his versatility, Fredrick can play anywhere across the backline and even in defensive midfield.

A product of Nigeria’s U-20 team, he was part of the Flying Eagles squad that reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and is currently the only player from that team to earn a senior Super Eagles call-up.