Super Eagles defender, Benjamin Fredrick, has opened up on the disappointment of missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, admitting that the injury hit him mentally at a time when he felt he was in the best shape of his career.
The Brentford centre-back had established himself as one of Nigeria’s emerging defensive options, and his performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign strengthened his position under head coach Eric Chelle.
His plans were disrupted in November 2025, when he suffered a knee injury in training with Belgian side, FCV Dender. The injury ended his loan spell and ruled him out of the tournament in Morocco.
Fredrick told 54Footballx that the period was difficult.
“To be honest, at that time, I was playing well and was in the best shape of my life to play football. I was happy there before I got injured. When I got injured, I was really down. I was mentally down because my plan was to go to the AFCON at such a young age,” he said.
“It is like a dream for every young player to reach that stage at such a young age. So, getting injured during that period left me feeling down and sad. But I am happy to be back playing again. I am so happy.”
The 21-year-old has since returned to competitive football and the national team, featuring in Nigeria’s recent matches against Russia and Tanzania. He now has another chance to establish himself as Nigeria chase qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
“I want to play, and I am happy I am here. I am playing and I want to like assure everyone that we will try to give our best. We will get the victory in every game from the next game to the end of qualifiers,” he said.
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