William Troost-Ekong, captain of the Super Eagles, has expressed high admiration for Brentford’s defender Benjamin Frederick ahead of their upcoming match against Rwanda, according to Soccernet.ng.
At just 20 years old, Frederick made an unexpected senior team debut during the Unity Cup final versus Jamaica, having been called up to the squad at the eleventh hour.
Despite the sudden inclusion and the intense pressure, the young defender delivered a calm and assured performance throughout the full 90 minutes, helping Nigeria secure a 2-2 draw before ultimately winning the trophy in a penalty shootout.
His confident display earned accolades from several quarters, including coach Eric Chelle and Paris FC striker Moses Simon, who were notably impressed by his composure and skill.
Troost-Ekong’s Thoughts on Brentford’s Rising Star
Troost-Ekong highlighted Frederick’s modest nature and dedication, also acknowledging the significant influence Moses Simon had in nurturing the young defender’s career.
“Benjamin is a modest, diligent, and exceptionally gifted defender. Everyone was genuinely impressed by his performance in the Unity Cup. To come in at the last minute and perform so well while helping us win the Unity Cup is truly commendable.
I’m aware of the hard work he has put in. Credit also goes to my teammate Moses Simon, who played a crucial role by bringing him into his academy before Benjamin’s move to Brentford. That’s exactly the kind of support we want to see.
We have a promising young talent who represents the future of Nigerian defense, alongside a current star in Moses Simon who helped pave the way for his professional and international breakthrough.
It’s an inspiring journey, and I’m eager to watch Benjamin grow and become a key figure for the team,” Troost-Ekong remarked.
Frederick’s ascent in football has been swift. Beginning his journey at Moses Simon’s academy, he earned a transfer to Premier League side Brentford and is now regarded as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s defensive line moving forward.
As Nigeria gears up for vital World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa, Frederick is anticipated to be a crucial addition, bolstering the squad’s efforts to secure a spot at the global tournament.
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