Fredrick Urged to Consider Brentford Exit After AFCON Setback

Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje has described Benjamin Fredrick’s injury-enforced absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as a major setback for both the player and the Super Eagles. The 20-year-old picked up a knee injury while training with FCV Dender, ruling him out of what would have been his first senior tournament.

Fredrick, on loan from Brentford, had been identified as a key defensive option by coach Eric Chelle. Sodje said the injury was “a big blow to him and the entire team,” adding that the youngster “has all the attributes to be a top defender… but everything happens for a reason.”

With the centre-back now in rehabilitation at Brentford, Sodje believes the situation should push him to make a firm decision about his club future. He insisted the defender must seek regular first-team football, even if it means leaving the Premier League side. “Wherever he can go and get games, I think he should go… It doesn’t have to be Brentford,” he said. “If the opportunity is not there… he can go elsewhere.”

Fredrick, who has seven senior caps, is expected to return after AFCON, with a summer transfer now looking more likely than a winter move.