Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh has praised young centre-back Benjamin Fredrick as the Super Eagles’ most influential performer in their 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday, even above two-goal hero Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.
The semifinal of the FIFA World Cup African playoffs was finely poised until late drama unfolded.
Nigeria led through Sevilla's Akor Adams in the 78th minute, only for Mario Lemina’s deflected effort to drag Gabon level just seconds before stoppage time.
Extra time brought clarity and fresh energy as Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s advantage with his first international goal before Osimhen’s late brace sealed a commanding win.
While Osimhen dominated global headlines and social media reels, Oliseh, a member of Nigeria’s iconic 1994 AFCON-winning squad, has named a different standout.
For him, 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick, on loan at Belgium's Dender FC from Brentford, delivered a performance of maturity and authority far beyond his age.
The young defender kept the dangerous Gabonese pairing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga remarkably quiet, read the game sharply, and remained composed in possession. His confident display was also the reason head coach Eric Chelle left captain William Troost-Ekong on the bench. Fredrick capped his night with a late surging run to set up Osimhen’s first goal.
In his post-match reaction on X, Oliseh wrote:
“I personally found Benjamin Frédéric to be the most influential player yesterday versus Gabon for SuperEagles. Always well positioned, pacy, decisive and played Simple. Now let's celebrate today. But from Tomorrow CONGO needs to be our next Victim. Boy it feels great in the morning when Naija do well Sha! Abi i lie? Have a nice day everyone.”
I personally found Benjamin Frédéric to be the most influential player yesterday versus Gabon for SuperEagles. Always well positioned, pacy, decisive and played Simple. Now let's celebrate today. But from Tomorrow CONGO needs to be our next Victim. Boy it feels great in the… https://t.co/yhM5iqYBQ6
— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) November 14, 2025
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DR Congo await as Nigeria set sights on playoff final
Nigeria will face DR Congo in Sunday’s decisive playoff final after the Leopards stunned Cameroon 1-0 in the second semifinal at Stade El Barid. Captain Chancel Mbemba struck in stoppage time, steering home Brian Cipenga’s corner after skipping past his marker.
Cameroon, the continent’s most frequent World Cup participants with eight appearances, will miss the expanded 48-team tournament next year. Cape Verde had earlier claimed the automatic ticket ahead of the Indomitable Lions in the group phase.
The winner of Sunday’s final in Rabat will progress to a six-team intercontinental playoff next March in Mexico, where the last two slots for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States will be decided.
