Benjamin Fredrick of Brentford (Photo credit: Imago)
Brentford FC talent Benjamin Frederick picked up a knock while on training for FCV Dender which has ruled him out of 2025 AFCON tournament…
Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje says Benjamin Fredrick’s absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is a huge loss for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
During training for FCV Dender EH, the Brentford loanee picked a knock on his knee which dented a possible AFCON debut for the 20-year-old.
Speaking to Footy Africa, the former Portsmouth defender insist that the young centre-back must consider leaving Brentford if he won’t be given first-team opportunities.
#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.
❤️ pic.twitter.com/aIh8fGVlu1
— Olúwashínà Okeleji (@oluwashina) November 25, 2025
Sam Sodje on Fredrick’s AFCON Blow
Fredrick’s recent knee injury has forced him into rehabilitation at Brentford and ruled him out of the AFCON in Morocco.
This is a major setback for Eric Chelle’s plans who have singled out the former Flying Eagles star as a key part of his defence setup.
Sodje described the injury as a painful moment for the player and the Nigerian national football team.
“He has all the attributes to be a top defender, so I’m disappointed to see him ruled out of AFCON,” Sodje told Footy Africa. “It is a big blow to him and the entire team, because he was meant to attend his first senior tournament and continue his development. But everything happens for a reason.”
Fredric has earned seven senior caps and has firmed himself as one of Nigeria’s promising defenders in the year 2025.
His absence forces Chelle to rethink his defensive options heading into the tournament.
First Team at Brentford or Exit
Sodje also urged the young defender to make a bold decision about his club future if Brentford cannot guarantee him meaningful playing time.
“Wherever he can go and get games, I think he should go. It doesn’t have to be Brentford, because he’s a talented player. If the opportunity is not there to play first-team football at Brentford or in the Premier League, he can go elsewhere. But hopefully he can play for Brentford in the Premier League, because it is the best league in the world. He’s a good player, and I know him very well,”
Fredrick is expected to return from injury after AFCON, and many football fans await what decision in the Bee’s hierarchy will be taking on him.
A winter move looks unrealistic, but the summer transfer is one to watch closely for the Nigerian international.