Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has thrown his weight behind young defender Benjamin Fredrick after Nigeria’s 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final, describing the 20-year-old as the team’s standout performer.
The Super Eagles booked their place in the playoff final after Akor Adams opened scoring, before Gabon levelled and dragged the tie into extra time. Chidera Ejuke restored the lead, while Victor Osimhen added two more goals to seal qualification.
Despite the attacking highlights, Oliseh shifted attention to the backline, praising the calm partnership of Fredrick and Calvin Bassey in managing Gabon’s pressure.
In a post on X, the former national team coach wrote, “I personally found Benjamin Fredrick to be the most influential player yesterday versus Gabon for Super Eagles. Always well positioned, pacy, decisive and played simply.”
He added, “Now let’s celebrate today. But from tomorrow, Congo needs to be our next victim. Boy it feels great in the morning when Naija do well sha! Abi I lie?”
Fredrick’s rising profile comes at a crucial time as Nigeria prepares for the November 16 clash against the winner of the Cameroon and DR Congo tie, a match that will determine which side advances to the inter-continental playoff for a slot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Kaduna-born defender, who started his career at Simoiben Academy before spells with ABS FC and Nasarawa United, joined Brentford in 2023 and was later sent on loan to Belgian side Dender to gain regular playing time. He broke into the senior national team in May 2025 after impressing at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Fredrick, who can operate across the backline or in defensive midfield, has been widely tipped as one of the most promising young players in the squad.
