Nigeria winger Moses Simon says the absence of defender Benjamin Fredrick from the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is a significant setback for the team.
Fredrick was ruled out of the tournament after suffering an injury weeks before the competition, ending what had appeared a near-certain inclusion following a series of assured performances for Nigeria.
Speaking to ESPN, Simon described the defender as an important player whose presence would have strengthened the squad.
“I am sad he will not be here,” Simon said. “Not just because of our personal connection, but because he would have helped the team if he was available.”
Nigeria defender Benjamin Fredrick, and Moses Simon celebrates after winning the Unity Cup after the final match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
His composure and versatility saw him operate both as a centre-back and at right-back, earning the trust of the technical crew ahead of the tournament.
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Simon’s disappointment is heightened by their shared history. Fredrick is a product of the Simoiben Academy in Kaduna, founded by Simon and his wife, Ibukun. The pair had already become the first academy owner and graduate to feature together for the Super Eagles, and were on course to extend that milestone at AFCON.
“It is very emotional for me,” Simon added. “Helping a young player grow to this level and then playing together is a special feeling.”
Photo Credit: Imago
Fredrick’s club career has progressed rapidly. After spells with ABS FC and Nasarawa United in Nigeria, he joined Brentford in 2023, where he won the club’s Youth Player of the Year award before securing a loan move to Belgian side K.F.C. Dender E.H.
He was also a key member of Nigeria’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, helping the Flying Eagles reach the quarter-finals, and remains the only player from that team to have earned a senior international cap.
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Head coach Eric Chelle has called up Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu for the first time. Alebiosu will compete with Bright Osayi-Samuel for the right-back position, with Osayi-Samuel starting Nigeria’s recent 2-1 friendly defeat by Egypt.
