Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh hails ‘influential’ Benjamin Fredrick after Gabon victory

Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh has singled out 20-year-old defender Benjamin Fredrick as the Super Eagles’ most influential player following the sides 4-1 victory over Gabon in the World Cup playoff.

The Super Eagles triumphed over the Panthers on Thursday after extra-time, confirming their place in the African playoff final, scheduled for Sunday, November 16 in Rabat, Morocco.

The West African football heavyweights takes on DR Congo in a high-stake final, with the winner expected to participate in the intercontinental playoff, slated for March 2026.

However, Sunday Oliseh has heaped praise on the talented defender for his outstanding display in the crucial game.

“I personally found Benjamin Frédéric to be the most influential player yesterday versus Gabon for Super Eagles… Always well positioned, pacey, decisive and played Simple… Boy it feels great in the morning when Naija do well Sha! Abi i lie? He wrote on X.

Sevilla forward Akor Adams gave Nigeria the lead in the 78th minute before Gabon pulled parity through Mario Lemina few minutes to full time to force extra-time.

However, it was the Super Eagles who prevailed during the extra-time, scoring three additional goals through Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen’s brace to progress ahead of Gabon.