Former Nigeria international Sunday Oliseh waxed lyrical about the performance of young defender Benjamin Frederick during the Super Eagles’ World Cup play-offs semi-final win over Gabon in Rabat, Footynaija.com reports.
20-year-old Frederick was saddled with the task of marshalling vastly experienced Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Thursday’s clash and the Simoiben Academy graduate executed his assigned task to perfection.
Frederick was always on hand to thwart Aubameyang and the Gabonese attack whenever they forayed into Super Eagles territory, showcasing a combination of composure and maturity well beyond his years.
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He also capped off his brilliant outing on the night by winning possession inside his own half and going a penetrating run that culminated in an assist for Nigeria’s third goal.
Reflecting on Fredrick’s performance, Oliseh posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I personally found Benjamin Frédrick to be the most influential player yesterday versus Gabon for Super Eagles.
“Always well positioned, pacy, decisive and played Simple. Now let’s celebrate today. But from Tomorrow CONGO needs to be our next Victim. Boy it feels great in the morning when Naija do well.”
Frederick has cemented his place in Eric Chelle’s defensive setup since making his first appearance back in May, with the young FCV Dender defender even dislodging Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong from the starting lineup in recent games.
Interestingly, the Belgium based center back, currently on loan from English Premier League side Brentford, is also capable of playing in the right full-back position as he showed in Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Benin Republic back in October.
Ahead of the CAF World Cup play-offs final against DR Congo on Sunday, Frederick looks odds on to keep his place at the heart of the Super Eagles defense as Chelle’s charges look to secure their place in the inter-confederation play-offs.
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