‘It is very emotional for me – Moses Simon heartbroken as Benjamin Fredrick misses AFCON

Nigeria winger Moses Simon has expressed deep disappointment over the absence of Benjamin Fredrick from the Super Eagles squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Fredrick, one of Nigeria’s brightest defensive talents in recent years, had forced his way into the senior team with a series of assured performances. His injury, which rules him out until the new year, denies both player and mentor a historic milestone.

The setback hits particularly hard for Simon because of their personal connection. Fredrick rose through the Simoiben Academy, founded and run by Simon, making them the first academy owner and mentee to play together for the Super Eagles.

Had he been fit, they would have also become the first Nigerians to achieve that feat at a major international tournament.

“It is very emotional for me,” Simon told ESPN. “It is an unbelievable big dream to play with the young one you helped to the top. The feeling is something else. It is like a father and son playing alongside each other.

“I am proud of what I’m doing, but I am sad that he will not be here. Not because I just want us to play together, but because he will help us if he was here.”

Fredrick’s rise has been rapid. After debuting internationally at the Unity Cup in May, he became a trusted presence in Nigeria’s defence, featuring in the last four World Cup qualifiers and impressing in November’s playoff fixtures against Gabon and DR Congo.

The 20-year-old started his career at Simoiben Academy in Kaduna, later playing for ABS FC and Nasarawa United before breaking into European football with Brentford in 2023. He earned Youth Player of the Year honours at Brentford and subsequently joined Belgian side K.F.C. Dender E.H. on loan.

While primarily a centre-back, Fredrick has demonstrated versatility, also excelling at right-back during qualifiers. He was a standout performer for the Flying Eagles at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and remains the only player from that squad to earn a senior cap.