Brentford have secured the services of teenage Nigerian centre-back on a season-long loan, after stellar performances at the U-20 AFCON.
Frank Onyeka's Brentford now have another Nigerian on their books after announcing the signing of eighteen-year-old defender, Benjamin Fredrick, Soccernet.ng reports.
Benjamin Chiemela Fredrick, Nigeria's Flying Eagle, has joined Brentford on a season-long loan, after being relegated with NPFL side, Nasarawa United last season. He will continue with the Brentford B team to further his development and maximize his potential.
Benjamin is a graduate of Moses Simon's academy in Nigeria. The Simo Iben Academy graduate despite playing in the Nigerian league, had interest from top European teams like Bundesliga giants – Bayern Munich, fourteen-time UEFA Champions League winners – Real Madrid, and FC Porto, but Brentford won the battle for the exceptional defender.
Fredrick has represented Nigeria at two international tournaments. He played at the U-20 Afcon tournament, playing all the games, as the team won the bronze medal, securing a spot at the U-20 World Cup. Fredrick dazzled like a shining star at Argentina's last edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup, even putting in a superb performance to sweep Argentina away in the round of sixteen tie.
Announced on the club's official website, Brentford B coach, Neil Macfarlane highlighted the reason behind the Bees' decision to sign the talented centre-back.
“Benjamin is a player who has been identified by our recruitment department and he's a real prospect having impressed for Nigeria in recent tournaments.”
Mr Macfarlane added that Fredrick's development is a huge part of the team's priority.
“He's a very tenacious player who likes to defend on the front foot. He's somebody we will look to develop through our games programme, and we'll see how his development progresses over the course of his loan. We look forward to welcoming Benjamin to the club.”
The Flying Eagles defender joins the Premier League club on a loan deal from his parent club Simoiben FC with the option to sign him on a permanent deal. Fredrick has had previous loan spells with Nigerian club sides ABS FC and Nasarawa United.
