In a significant setback for Nigeria’s defensive preparations, emerging centre-back Benjamin Fredrick has been ruled out of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after sustaining a serious knee injury. The unfortunate news, confirmed by reports from OwnGoalNigeria.com, deals a blow to the Super Eagles’ campaign before the final squad has even been announced.
The 20-year-old defender, who plays for Belgian club FC Dender, picked up the injury during a routine training session upon returning from international duty. Fredrick had been a mainstay in the Nigerian lineup during their recent World Cup qualifiers playoff, featuring in both legs against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite his efforts, the Super Eagles were ultimately bested by their opponents, who clinched the coveted spot to represent Africa in the upcoming Intercontinental playoff.
Initial medical assessments point to a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the young talent. He is expected to be out of action for approximately 12 weeks, a timeline that completely overlaps with the AFCON tournament, which kicks off next month. This absence will be keenly felt, as Fredrick had rapidly cemented his place in the heart of the Nigerian defence. Displaying remarkable composure and maturity beyond his years, he had effectively taken over the starting role from the team’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, signalling a potential changing of the guard for the Super Eagles’ backline.
In response to this untimely development, head coach Eric Chelle has been forced to swiftly alter his tactical blueprint. It is understood that Chelle has already identified a replacement and has made the necessary provisions to adjust his final squad list for the tournament. The official roster, which is said to be made public in the coming days, will now reflect this last-minute change, underscoring the unpredictable nature of football just weeks before a major competition.
This injury is also a personal disappointment for Fredrick, who is on loan from English Premier League side Brentford. The AFCON was set to be his major tournament debut on the senior international stage, a deserved reward for his rapid ascent and impressive performances. His absence now opens the door for another defender to step up and seize the opportunity as the three-time African champions look to reclaim continental glory.
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