Tremendous Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has heaped reward on Brentford teen Benjamin Frederick after the defender delivered a composed efficiency on his debut in Nigeria’s Unity Cup last win over Jamaica, Soccernet.ng stories.
Frederick, who joined the staff only a day earlier than the showdown in London, was handed a shock begin on the coronary heart of the defence.
Regardless of the brief discover, the 20-year-old centre-back confirmed no indicators of nerves, placing in a relaxed and warranted show that caught the eye of many.
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Talking to reporters, as noticed by Soccernet.ng, after the match, Chelle counseled {the teenager}’s maturity on the ball and his sturdy technical talents.
“Benjamin Frederick was good. He was very calm and composed. Technically, he’s near excellent — particularly on the subject of touching the ball and making sturdy passes,” Chelle stated.
Frederick, who joined Premier League facet Brentford in 2023, was a standout performer alongside his extra skilled teammates.
Nevertheless, Chelle famous there was nonetheless room for progress, particularly after Nigeria conceded twice within the 2-2 draw earlier than profitable 5-4 on penalties.
“He reads the sport nicely, however in fact, there’s room for enchancment. We conceded a purpose, and possibly he may have finished one thing in a different way in that state of affairs.”
“Like I all the time say about our gamers — even after they play nicely — we nonetheless want to enhance day-after-day.”
Chelle jokingly revealed that his assistant had credited him for Frederick’s stable efficiency, however the coach insisted the teen should proceed to construct on this spectacular begin.
“My assistant even joked that I ought to take credit score for his efficiency as a result of I chosen him. However actually, it’s only one sport — a giant one — and he must maintain working laborious and enhancing.”
Frederick’s stable debut provides to Nigeria’s checklist of defenders able to get a name up because the staff prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports activities journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a confirmed monitor file in conducting interviews with Tremendous Eagles stars akin to William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Vivid Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and lots of others. He has additionally made a big affect in breaking switch information tales.
Grounded in video enhancing, video journalism, social media administration, and content material technique, Ayomide brings a wealth of experience to his work.