Former Super Eagles’ invitee, Jide Olugboji has taken an analytical look at the injury copped by Dender FC of Belgium defender, Benjamin Fredrick, and tagged it a massive blow to Nigeria’s aspirations at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Sports247 reports that Olugboji reckoned that Fredrick has cemented his place as an integral part of the Eagles within a short while, such that his absence would surely be felt at AFCON 2025.
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“It’s a massive blow to Nigeria. Though it seems strange to label a 20-year-old defender, who only has seven caps, as a crucial member of the Nigerian team.
“That’s because his performances have been excellent since he made his debut during the Unity Cup in London,” Olugboji declared.
He further noted how the young defender, who is on loan at Dender from Brentford of England, was able to edge ahead of Eagles’ captain, William Troost-Ekong and win over the heart of the coach, Eric Sékou Chelle.
“This guy has had a notable impact on our team, and Coach Chelle prefers him to the captain. That shows the level of confidence they have in this boy.
“Don’t forget that he practically put (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang in his pocket during the World Cup play-offs. He kept such a superb striker quiet for the whole game. So, we definitely are going to miss him … definitely …” Olugboji reiterated.
