Former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo believes the Super Eagles will miss Benjamin Fredrick’s quality at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, SportPremi reports.
The 20-year-old defender suffered a knee injury in training for Belgian club Dender, which has ended his participation in next month’s continental tournament.
He is expected to recover from injury in about three months beyond the tournament’s timeline in Morocco, effectively ruling him out of the competition.
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The versatile defender has proven to be one of the first names on Nigerian head coach Eric Chelle’s team list in recent months, after assured performances for the side.
He made his debut for the national team during the Unity Cup in June, but it was until September when he played his first competitive game for the Super Eagles.
He featured in their remaining qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including in the CAF playoff final defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this month.
The on-loan Brentford defender’s absence is a huge blow for the Super Eagles, who were hoping to count on his versatility at the tournament.
What Ekpo said about Fredrick’s absence
During an interview session, former Nigerian midfielder Friday Ekpo was disappointed that Benjamin Fredrick will be absent from next month’s African Cup of Nations.
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The 56-year-old believes the injury has robbed the continent of the opportunity of watching one of the most promising talents at the competition.
“It’s sad news to hear that Fredrick will miss the Africa Cup of Nations as a result of a knee injury. He’s a player who has been fantastic for the Super Eagles during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers”, Ekpo said.
“Fredrick may be young, but he has the experience of a matured defender and his absence will be a big miss for the Super Eagles.
“I hope and pray a miracle takes place on his knee so that he will be part of the Nigerian squad for the AFCON. We need him to be part of the team.”
When does the AFCON start?
The 2025 African Cup of Nations will commence on the 21st of December with a clash between host nation Morocco and Comoros.
Nigeria will compete in group C of the tournament and will open their campaign against Tanzania on the 23rd of December, before further matches against Tunisia and Uganda.
The Super Eagles will be eyeing an improvement on their second placed finish in 2024, although they will need to overcome the disappointment of missing the World Cup.
