“I’m sad he will not be here” – Moses Simon heartbroken over Nigeria star’s AFCON 2025 absence

Nigeria winger Moses Simon has expressed deep disappointment over the absence of Benjamin Fredrick from the Super Eagles squad as preparations continue for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

Fredrick, one of Nigeria’s most impressive new defensive faces in the past year, was widely expected to be part of the AFCON squad after forcing his way into the senior team through a string of assured performances.

However, injury struck just weeks before the tournament, ruling the youngster out until the new year and ending what could have been a landmark moment for both player and mentor.

The setback has been felt keenly by Simon, not only because of Fredrick’s growing importance to the team, but because of their unique personal connection.

Fredrick emerged from the Simoiben Academy, owned and run by Simon, making the pair the first academy owner and mentee to feature together for the Super Eagles. Had Fredrick been fit, the two would also have become the first Nigerians to achieve that feat at a major international tournament.

What did Moses Simon say?

Speaking to ESPN, Simon laid bare the emotional weight of Fredrick’s absence.

“It is very emotional for me,” Simon said.

“It is an unbelievable big dream to play with the young one you helped to the top. The feeling is something else. It is like a father and son playing alongside each other.

“It is a thing of joy for me. I'm proud of myself, I'm proud of what I'm doing and I'm proud of the people around that encourage me and assist me also. But I am sad that he will not be here. Not because I just want us to play together, but because he will help us if he was here.”

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Benjamin Fredrick: A rising star forced to watch from the sidelines

Fredrick’s rise has been rapid and remarkable. After making his international breakthrough at the invitational Unity Cup in May, he quickly became a trusted figure at the heart of Nigeria’s defence.

The youngster featured in all of Nigeria’s last four World Cup qualifiers and impressed during November’s crucial playoff fixtures against Gabon and DR Congo. So assured were his performances that his inclusion in the AFCON squad appeared almost inevitable.

That momentum makes his injury all the more painful, not just for him personally, but for a Super Eagles side that had come to rely on his composure and versatility.

Fredrick’s football journey began at Simoiben Academy in Kaduna, founded by Simon and his wife, Ibukun. The academy has quietly earned respect for producing disciplined, technically sound players, and Fredrick is one of its finest products.

Before moving abroad, he experienced Nigerian football’s tougher pathways, with spells at ABS FC in the Nigeria National League and Nasarawa United in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

His European breakthrough came in 2023, when Brentford signed him on a one-year deal. He wasted little time making an impression, winning the club’s Youth Player of the Year award and earning a contract extension, followed by a loan move to Belgian side K.F.C. Dender E.H.

Though naturally a centre-back, Fredrick has shown rare adaptability, slotting in seamlessly at right-back during qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

He was also a standout performer for the Flying Eagles at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, helping Nigeria reach the quarter-finals, and remains the only player from that squad to earn a senior cap so far.

In Fredrick’s absence, head coach Eric Chelle has handed a first international call-up to Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu.

Alebiosu will compete with Birmingham City star Bright Osayi-Samuel for the starting spot at right-back when Nigeria's campaign at the AFCON kicks off. Fans weighing up the Super Eagles' chances without Fredrick can read our Betking review ahead of the tournament opener.

Osayi-Samuel was the preferred option during Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat against Egypt on Tuesday night.