“Unbelievable potential” – Fulham’s Nigerian star urges Brentford to recall Benjamin Frederick from FCV Dender

Obi Donald

6 hours ago

Three Fulham stars featured in Nigeria’s 4-1 win over Gabon in the World Cup Cup semi-final playoff yesterday…

Fulham and Super Eagles centre-back Calvin Bassey has heaped praise on Nigerian youngster Benjamin Frederick following his display against Gabon yesterday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria started their World Cup qualifiers campaign with a poor approach as they were without a victory in their first four games.

Under Eric Chelle, they were able to redeem themselves, and a late flurry of wins saw them secure a play-off spot as they want to avoid missing consecutive World Cup tournaments.

World Cup qualifying playoffs Nigeria vs Gabon Akor Adam, Victor Osimhen and Chidera Ejuke during Nigeria vs Gabon Copyright: xSulaimanxPoojaxAdebayox

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Eric Chelle’s men took the first step in their qualification journey last night, sealing a big win over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon.

However, one name on everyone’s lips last night was FCV Dender EH defender Benjamin Frederick.

The 20-year-old versatile defender was unplayable. He made sure nothing got past him and even went to set up Victor Osimhen’s first goal of the night.

Benjamin Frederick, Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi prepare in a warm-up ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers clash against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. [Photo Credit/ Super Eagles on X].

Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi prepare in warm-up ahead of Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers clash against Rwanda — Benjamin Frederick, Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi prepare in a warm-up ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers clash against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. [Photo Credit/ Super Eagles on X].

The Brentford loanee made his debut for the Nigerian National team during the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica, three days after he turned 20.

Since then, Frederick has started five out of six games under Eric Chelle, knocking William Troost-Ekong out of the first team.

Fulham star urges Brentford to recall Benjamin Frederick

The Simoiben Academy graduate joined Belgian side FCV Dender EH on loan from Brentford last summer, and has played 14 games for Hayk Milkon’s side.

Nigeria defender Benjamin Fredrick and Moses Simon celebrate after winning the Unity Cup after the final match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Although he’s featured as a right-back for the Super Eagles, Frederick partnered with Calvin Bassey in the Nigerian backline last night, and the Fulham defender was in awe of the youngster.

“He’s amazing. His potential is unbelievable, and he’s a good kid,” the former Rangers defender told Victor Modo following Nigeria’s win over Gabon.

“He wants to learn, he’s down to earth, and he’s unbelievable.

“For me, I think Brentford should get him back in the first team because he’s so good. He’s unbelievable,” Bassey concluded.

Benjamin Fredrick during the Unity Cup Final, London 2025 match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, England on 31 May 2025. Copyright: ImagoxToyinxOshodi

Up next for Nigeria is a clash against Sebastien Desabre’s DR Congo at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat on Sunday.