Former Nigerian international Abdulkadir Aliyu believes Nigeria will feel the impact of Benjamin Fredrick’s absence at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations, describing it as a significant blow to the squad, SportPremi reports.
The young defender has developed into a key member of Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad in recent outings, but will miss the entire tournament with a knee injury.
He made his debut for the national team during June’s Unity Cup tournament and played his first competitive match in the win over Lesotho in September.
Fredrick has also been preferred ahead of William Troost-Ekong and featured in both of Nigeria’s playoff games for the World Cup earlier this month.
The 20-year-old who plays for Belgian side Dender, missed the club’s 2-1 win over Royal Antwerp last weekend, after sustaining an injury in training ahead of the clash, with no confirmed timeline for his return.
Everything Aliyu said
Speaking in an interview, Aliyu expressed disappointment and believes the Super Eagles will miss the presence of the versatile defender.
“This news is a terrible one, and I am not happy to hear it at all because the young lad is gradually finding his feet in the team”, he said.
“For me, he has been the best Nigerian defender in the last year with his performances in the Super Eagles recently. This is a big blow for Nigeria and the Super Eagles too and I am sure we are going to miss him at the tournament.”
The ex-international however remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of adding a fourth continental crown next month.
“Though I am unhappy with the news, I know the coach will find capable replacements for Benjamin who will also do well and help us win the trophy again. I pray for quick recovery for him”, Aliyu added.
“He is a fantastic young player and I hope he gets all the support he needs. There will be more Nations Cups and I know he will bounce back well and do Nigeria proud again.”
Nigeria eye AFCON redemption
Very few would have given the Super Eagles any chance of getting to the final in 2024, with doubts surrounding their performances heading to the tournament.
However, they overcame all odds to reach the final, before suffering a 2-1 defeat to host nation Ivory Coast.
A chance to bounce back from that disappointment starts in Morocco next month, with group games against Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda.
The team still possess the quality to win the tournament and they will be buoyed by their recent World Cup heartbreak, losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final.
