Legendary Nigerian footballer, Sunday Oliseh, has hailed young defender Benjamin Fredrick as the most influential player for the Super Eagles in their recent clash against Gabon.
Fredrick continued his stellar run with the national team as he played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 4-1 triumph over Gabon in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs on Thursday.
The 20-year-old defender was virtually flawless, ensuring that Gabon’s danger man, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, posed no real threat throughout the match.
At one point, Fredrick executed a crucial last-ditch tackle inside the box to deny the former African Player of the Year a clear scoring opportunity.
Fredrick’s brilliance was not limited to defense, as he also set up Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s third goal.
The Dender FC player, on loan from Brentford, won the ball in midfield, drove forward, and then delivered a perfectly timed pass for Osimhen to finish.
Reflecting on Fredrick’s performance, Oliseh wrote on X “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.”
The Super Eagles will be hoping Fredrick can replicate his high-level performance when they face Congo in the playoffs final on Sunday.
The Congolese secured their spot after a stoppage-time winner by captain Chancel Mbemba against Cameroon.
Fredrick has quickly become a key figure in the national team, having impressed at this year’s Unity Cup in London.
He made his debut for Nigeria against Jamaica, a game the Super Eagles won 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
