Super Eagles and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has expressed his deep disappointment over the injury that ruled teammate Benjamin Fredrick out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Speaking from the team’s base in Fès on the morning of their Group C opener against Tanzania, Bassey described the 20-year-old’s absence as a major blow for both the player and the national team.
Fredrick, who is currently on loan at Belgian side FCV Dender EH from Brentford, sustained a serious knee injury during a training session in late November. The setback is particularly “upsetting” for the squad given Fredrick’s meteoric rise; he had started Nigeria’s last six matches under coach Éric Chelle, establishing himself as a key pillar in the defense alongside Bassey and Semi Ajayi.
“No, I’ve not spoken to him. But it is very upsetting,” Bassey told reporters. “I feel like it would’ve been amazing for Fredrick to showcase his talent on this AFCON stage. I just wish him a speedy recovery, and hopefully, he can be back with us in no time.”
The Defensive Shuffle
With both Fredrick and Ola Aina (hamstring) sidelined, and the recent international retirement of former captain William Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s defensive depth is being tested. Coach Chelle has turned to European-based reinforcements to fill the void:
-
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague): The 24-year-old, who recently returned from a long-term injury himself, has been named as the primary replacement for Fredrick in the central defensive rotation.
-
Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers): The uncapped former Arsenal academy defender has been called up to provide cover at right-back.
-
Emmanuel Fernandez (Peterborough United): Though not in the final squad, the goal-scoring defender has been placed on the standby list as a long-term successor to the current center-back core.
About the Author
