Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have suffered an early setback, with young defender Benjamin Fredrick officially sidelined due to injury. The 20-year-old centre-back picked up a knee problem during a training session with his Belgian club, FC Dender, forcing him out of action at a critical point in the national team’s build-up.

Fredrick, who has rapidly become a key figure under head coach Eric Chelle, has started Nigeria’s last six matches and was part of the squad during the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff fixtures against Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. His growing importance to the Super Eagles made the news of his injury particularly disappointing for team officials and supporters.

The setback already affected his club duties, as he missed Dender’s 2–1 win over Royal Antwerp last weekend. Medical assessments have since confirmed that the injury will keep him out long enough to rule him out of next year’s continental tournament.

Fredrick’s absence leaves Nigeria with a defensive gap to fill ahead of the competition, and Chelle is expected to reassess his options in the coming weeks as the team continues its preparations.