Nigeria Super Eagles Defender Benjamin Fredrick Ruled Out of AFCON 2025 with Knee Injury

The Digest:

The Super Eagles have suffered a significant defensive blow as center-back Benjamin Fredrick has been ruled out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to a knee injury sustained with his Belgian club. The 20-year-old, who had emerged as a key replacement for the injured William Troost-Ekong, will miss Nigeria's campaign in Morocco next month.

Key Points:

• Benjamin Fredrick sustained a knee injury during training with FC Dender
• The 20-year-old defender will miss the entire AFCON 2025 tournament
• Injury occurred after returning from Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers
• Fredrick had featured in all playoff matches against DR Congo
• Coach Eric Chelle has already identified a replacement
• Updated squad list expected to be announced soon
• Fredrick was on loan from the English club Brentford

Just as one pillar falls, another must rise, this untimely injury tests not just Nigeria's defensive depth, but the resilience of a team learning to rebuild its foundations mid-flight toward continental glory.

Sources: BBC Sport, Vanguard