Benjamin Frederick Ruled Out of AFCON 2025 After Knee Injury in Major Blow to Super Eagles

Super Eagles defender Benjamin Frederick has been officially ruled out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after medical scans confirmed a knee injury, dealing a significant setback to head coach Eric Chelle ahead of next month’s competition in Morocco.

The 20-year-old centre-back, on loan at FCV Dender EH from Brentford, has been one of Nigeria’s standout discoveries since earning his first senior call-up in May.

His calm defensive presence and rapid rise made him an automatic starter, and Nigeria has remained unbeaten in regulation time in every match he has featured in.

Frederick played the full 120 minutes in the Super Eagles’ November victories over Gabon and DR Congo national football team, although he appeared fatigued late in the games and suffered cramps.

Concerns about his fitness grew when he was absent from Dender’s 2-1 loss to Royal Antwerp last weekend.

According to journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, subsequent scans confirmed a knee injury serious enough to rule him out of AFCON 2025 entirely, forcing him into a recovery period instead of linking up with the national team.

Frederick’s injury is a major blow for Chelle, who has relied heavily on the young defender’s composure and consistency.

His emergence had even pushed William Troost-Ekong out of the starting lineup, reshaping Nigeria’s defensive structure.

He now joins full-back Ola Aina, who remains doubtful but has resumed individual training, on Nigeria’s growing list of injury concerns.

With AFCON approaching, the Super Eagles will now have to rethink their defensive options and seek a dependable replacement for one of the squad’s brightest young talents.