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Sunday Oliseh praises Fredrick after brilliant Eagles win

Published

5 months ago

November 14, 2025

Sunday Oliseh hails Benjamin Fredrick’s brilliant display in Nigeria’s 4-1 win over Gabon, calling him the standout player in the World Cup playoff

Sunday Oliseh has hailed Benjamin Fredrick for his brilliant performance in Nigeria’s 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the 2026 World Cup playoff.

Also read: Super Eagles 4-1 victory earns uplifting praise from Tinubu

The former Super Eagles coach described the young defender as the most influential player on the pitch, earning widespread admiration from fans and analysts.

Oliseh offered the glowing tribute in a post on X, praising Fredrick for his composure, pace and decisive interventions at key moments.

He noted that while attackers such as Victor Osimhen and Chidera Ejuke delivered the goals, Nigeria’s defensive security was anchored by Fredrick’s maturity and intelligent reading of the game.

Fredrick, who partnered Calvin Bassey at the heart of defence, helped neutralise Gabon’s late pressure after the match stretched into extra time.

His assured performance added an important layer of confidence to a Super Eagles side seeking a return to the World Cup.

Oliseh remarked that the next challenge would be even tougher, urging the team to maintain the same mentality as they prepare to face the winner of the Cameroon versus DR Congo clash.

He added that Nigeria must treat the upcoming match with absolute seriousness as a place in the inter-continental playoff is at stake.

Fredrick’s rise has been rapid. Having developed at the Simoiben Academy in Kaduna, then featuring for ABS FC and Nasarawa United, he secured a move to Brentford in 2023 before being loaned to Belgian side K.F.C. Dender for first-team minutes.

His transition from the under-20s to the senior team in May 2025 has been described as seamless, with growing expectations that he will become a long-term defensive pillar.

Nigeria’s victory over Gabon, sealed with a powerful extra-time surge, has lifted the mood across the football community.