Benjamin Fredrick was a standout performer for Nigeria in the last two games against Lesotho and Benin
The Super Eagles claimed an impressive 4-0 victory over Benin in their final game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers yesterday.
Victor Osimhen scored a hattrick, while Frank Onyeka added one in stoppage time to seal the team's place in the World Cup playoffs.
It was one of the team's best performance in two years, as most of the players turned up. One player who shone brightly was Dender defender Benjamin Fredrick. He was played out of position, but he still produced a solid shift and stopped Benin from getting much joy in the final third.
In this piece, Soccernet.ng highlights five key facts about Fredrick which you probably don't know.
1. Benjamin Fredrick Was Discovered At Moses Simon's Academy
Benjamin Fredrick was discovered at Simoiben Academy in Kaduna. It is an academy owned by Moses Simon and his wife Ibukun.
Fredrick is just one of the success stories from the academy. So of course, Benjamin Fredrick will see Simon as a mentor.
2. Short NPFL and NNL Stints
Before moving abroad, Benjamin Fredrick had short stints with Nigeria National League club ABS in 2022, and Nigeria Premier Football League club Nasarawa United in 2023.
He made six appearances in the Nigerian top flight before parting ways with Nasarawa United. Interestingly, the club lost four and drew two of the games he played.
3. One of Brentford's Biggest prospects
Benjamin Fredrick is currently on the books of English Premier League club Brentford, but he is on loan at Belgian club Brentford.
When he joined Brentford in 2023, he initially signed a one-year deal. But after an impressive year at the club that saw him win the Player of the Year in the youth team, they offered him a longer contract.
4. Benjamin Fredrick Is A Very Versatile Player
Given that he is known to be a center back, most Nigerian fans were surprised to see Benjamin Fredrick playing at right back in the last two games against Lesotho and Benin. But he is actually a versatile player. The only position he can't play at the back is the left-back position.
Fredrick can even play the defensive midfield role if he is called upon.
5. A Former Flying Eagles Star
We wish Benjamin Fredrick and the flying eagles team the very best in the under 20 World Cup.
Go and make us proud pic.twitter.com/VxmoIxtP6P
— SIMOIBEN FOOTBALL CLUB KADUNA NIG (@SimoibenN) May 7, 2023
Benjamin Fredrick was part of the Aliyu Zubairu-led team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
Of course, he was one of the best players in that team. He is also the only player from that team that has played for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
