Nigeria defender Benjamin Fredrick of Brentford FC is set to miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after sustaining a knee injury during training with his Belgian club, Dender, on Friday. The injury comes as a blow to the national team, with Fredrick having started Nigeria’s last six matches under coach Eric Chelle.
The news was posted on X (formerly Twitter), by BBC sports writer Oluwashina Okeleji.
His tweet read, “#BrentfordFC’s #Nigeria defender Benjamin Fredrick set to miss #AFCON2025 with knee injury picked up in training at Belgian club Dender on Friday. Expected to return to action after the tournament. The rising star 💫 started his country’s last six games under Eric Chelle.”
The young defender is expected to return to action only after the conclusion of the tournament, ruling him out of Nigeria’s AFCON campaign. Fredrick has been considered one of the rising stars in the squad, making his absence a notable setback for Chelle and the team.
His development at club level, coupled with his recent international appearances, has positioned him as a key figure in Nigeria’s defensive lineup, but the injury now forces the national team to adjust its plans ahead of the continental tournament.
Melissa Enoch
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