AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Benjamin Fredrick opens up on ‘very difficult’ six months after injury setback

Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick has revealed the emotional toll of the injury that kept him out of action for six months, admitting he was “very disappointed and angry” with himself over how the setback occurred.

The 21-year-old suffered the injury shortly after Nigeria’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches and was subsequently forced into a lengthy rehabilitation programme.

The setback came at a frustrating stage of Fredrick’s development, with the young defender having established himself as one of Nigeria’s promising defensive talents.

‘I was very disappointed and angry’

Fredrick explained that the injury occurred during training after he returned to his club following Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

“I got injured after the last World Cup qualifiers against Congo. When I went back to my club, I got injured in training. So, I was very disappointed and angry with myself,” Fredrick told Festus Dada.

The Brentford defender said his frustration was heightened by the circumstances surrounding the injury, insisting he could have avoided the incident had he made a different decision.

“I was angry with myself because of the way I got injured. I was supposed to just let the ball go, but unfortunately, I tried to stop it and got injured. So, I was angry with myself and disappointed.”

The injury ruled him out for several months and left Fredrick facing the challenge of rebuilding his fitness while watching his international teammates prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Super Eagles provided recovery motivation

Despite the disappointment, Fredrick found motivation in following the Super Eagles during their preparations and campaign.

Watching his teammates represent Nigeria helped convince him that there was still an opportunity to return to the national team and compete for a place again.

“But watching the Super Eagles, watching everyone going to the Afcon, motivates me that I can still come back better and be with the team again. So, it has been a very difficult month,” he added.

Fredrick also credited his family and friends for helping him navigate the difficult period.

“The last six months have been very difficult for me, but I have been motivating myself. My family and friends have also been encouraging me that I will come back better.”

Brentford return brings fresh opportunity

His recovery has now taken him back into Brentford’s first-team setup after the Premier League club confirmed in July that he had been promoted to the senior squad.

The move was accompanied by a new four-year contract, with the club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year.

Fredrick was named among Brentford’s substitutes for their Premier League meeting with Chelsea on September 18, marking another significant step in his comeback.

Reflecting on the occasion, he said: “It’s been a pleasure. You know, it’s a dream to be in a Premier League squad, being on the bench, watching players you’ve been watching when you were young, being there with them. It’s a pleasure and a great feeling for me as well.”

The defender also revealed that Fábio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo have helped him settle closer to Brentford’s senior group as he continues his return from injury.