The five-step journey from Simoiben Academy prodigy to Tremendous Eagles standout

On an evening when the Tremendous Eagles rediscovered their ruthless edge, few gamers embodied Nigeria’s resurgence higher than Benjamin Fredrick.

The 20-year-old defender, enjoying out of place, turned in a efficiency that was as composed because it was fearless within the emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin in Uyo, a consequence that sealed Nigeria’s place within the playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Whereas Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s late strike stole the headlines, Fredrick’s assured defensive show added a quiet metal to Nigeria’s backline.

In opposition to a Benin facet managed by a well-known face in Gernot Rohr, the younger defender neutralised wave after wave of assault, profitable duels and displaying a tactical maturity nicely past his years.

For a participant who just a few years in the past was honing his craft at Moses Simon’s Simoiben ‘modest’ academy in Kaduna, this was a full-circle second.

Listed here are 5 key phases to find out about Benjamin Fredrick’s outstanding rise.

Star formed at Simoiben Academy

Fredrick’s soccer journey started at Simoiben Academy in Kaduna; a expertise manufacturing facility based by Tremendous Eagles winger Moses Simon and his spouse, Ibukun.

It was right here that Fredrick’s uncooked capability was noticed and refined, setting him on the trail to skilled soccer. Through the years, Simoiben has quietly constructed a fame for nurturing disciplined, technically gifted kids. Fredrick is certainly one of its brightest merchandise, and considers Simon each a mentor and an inspiration.

Brief however important NPFL, NNL stints

Earlier than his transfer overseas, Fredrick skilled the gritty facet of Nigerian soccer. He turned out briefly for ABS FC within the Nigeria Nationwide League in 2022 after which for Nasarawa United FC within the Nigeria Premier Soccer League in 2023.

He made six appearances within the high flight; video games that led to 4 defeats and two attracts, however these minutes gave him invaluable publicity to the bodily calls for and depth {of professional} soccer. It was a testing floor that toughened him for greater levels.

Brentford’s rising prospect in Europe

Fredrick’s breakthrough second got here when Brentford F.C. snapped him up in 2023. Initially signed on a one-year deal, the younger defender impressed virtually instantly, profitable the membership’s Youth Participant of the Yr award in his debut season. That earned him an prolonged contract and a mortgage transfer to Ok.F.C. Dender E.H. in Belgium to achieve extra first-team expertise.

The London membership sees him as certainly one of its brightest long-term defensive prospects, and his regular improvement has drawn consideration again house.

Versatility as secret weapon

Although primarily a centre-back, Fredrick’s capability to adapt makes him an asset to any coach. He slotted in at right-back in each of Nigeria’s final two qualifiers towards Lesotho and Benin, dealing with the position with outstanding composure.

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His tactical intelligence and positional consciousness permit him to function throughout the defensive position, and he may even step right into a holding midfield position if required. It’s this versatility that makes him an rising cornerstone for Eric Chelle’s rebuilding Tremendous Eagles.

Flying Eagles to Tremendous Eagles: Uncommon leap

Fredrick was one of many standout performers for Nigeria nationwide under-20 soccer workforce on the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the place the Flying Eagles reached the quarter-finals underneath former coach Ladan Bosso.

What units him aside is that he’s the one participant from that squad to have earned a senior nationwide workforce cap thus far, a uncommon leap that speaks volumes about his expertise, temperament, and trajectory.

New defensive period in sight

Nigeria’s backline has been a supply of concern in recent times, however Fredrick’s emergence affords a glimpse of the long run, a younger, composed defender unafraid of the massive stage.

In response to statistics, Benjamin Frederick has by no means been substituted since making his debut for Nigeria. He has featured in 5 matches thus far for the Tremendous Eagles.

Vs. Jamaica 90 min, Rwanda – 90 min, South Africa – 90 min, Lesotho – 90 min, and Benin – 90 min

From a Simoiben’s academy pitch in Kaduna to starring in a World Cup qualifier, his story displays a pipeline of expertise ready to be tapped extra intentionally. And as Nigeria head right into a high-stakes playoff in November, Benjamin Fredrick is now not only a promising prospect.

He’s a part of the current.