Super Eagles star gets Brentford boost ahead of Reading clash – ‘In the right place’

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews has confirmed that Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick is expected to feature against Reading in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 21-year-old has had limited competitive football since returning from a knee injury that ended his loan spell with Belgian side FCV Dender last season. Andrews said Brentford deliberately kept Fredrick out of the club’s B-team match on Sunday so he could be ready for the trip to Reading.

“He hasn't had a lot of football but has come back in the last couple of weeks,” Andrews told reporters.

“We decided not to play him in the B team game on Sunday to make sure he was in the right place to be available for our game against Reading. I anticipate he'll be involved.”

The decision gives Fredrick a chance to take another step towards his first-team breakthrough after a difficult period on the sidelines.

Brentford promoted him to the senior squad in July and handed him a new four-year contract, with an option for another season. Andrews had previously said the club saw significant potential in the defender, who had been out since the middle of November after his injury at Dender.

Fredrick joined Brentford from Nigerian academy Simoiben FC in 2023, initially on loan with the club’s B team. The move became permanent in April 2024.

He enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign, helping Brentford B win the Under-21 Professional Development League title and reach the Premier League Cup final. He was also voted the B team Players’ Player of the Year.

His progress earned him a senior Nigeria debut in May 2025. He started the Unity Cup final against Jamaica at the Gtech Community Stadium, playing 90 minutes before the Super Eagles won 5-4 on penalties.

Fredrick then became an important option for Nigeria during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. He started the final four qualifying matches and also started the play-off semi-final victory over Gabon before Nigeria lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final.

Brentford face Reading in cup test

Fredrick’s possible appearance comes as Brentford travel to the Select Car Leasing Stadium for a 20:00 BST kick-off on Tuesday, 15 September.

Reading, now in League One, reached the third round after beating Bromley on penalties in the opening round and defeating Stevenage 3-0 away in round two. Brentford entered the third round after a 6-1 demolition of Championship side Birmingham City.

The Bees arrive after a 2-2 Premier League draw at Bournemouth on Saturday. Kevin Schade scored twice for Andrews’ side, including the equaliser after Marcus Tavernier had put Bournemouth ahead.

Fredrick could therefore get his first competitive appearance for Brentford’s senior team in a match that offers Andrews an opportunity to rotate his squad while keeping the club’s cup run alive.

The defender has already made his ambition clear. After signing his new contract, Fredrick said his aim was to make his first-team debut, earn Premier League minutes and take his opportunity when it arrives.

Tuesday’s visit to Reading could provide the first part of that breakthrough.