Calvin Bassey Urges Brentford To Promote Super Eagles’ Benjamin Fredrick

14 Nov 2025, 14:44 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has urged Brentford to move Benjamin Fredrick straight into their first team after the youngster delivered a standout performance in Nigeria’s 4-1 win over Gabon on Thursday night.

Benjamin Fredrick, 20, played with a level of confidence that was beyond his age, keeping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang unusually quiet throughout the match. His assured defending helped Nigeria take control of the World Cup playoff semi-final in Rabat.

Nigeria’s goals came from Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke and a double from Victor Osimhen. A late deflected strike from Mario Lemina dragged the game into extra time, but the Super Eagles were never in real danger.

Speaking after the match, Bassey could not hide his admiration for Benjamin Fredrick.

“He’s amazing. His potential is unbelievable and he’s a good kid. He wants to learn, and he’s down to earth. He’s unbelievable,” Bassey told Victor Modo.

“For me, I think Brentford should get him back in the first team because he’s so good. He’s unbelievable.”

Bassey added that the Super Eagles finally showed the firepower they have always possessed. He said, “We always had the quality. It’s amazing, of course, the pitch helped. We’ve always had goals in this team, look at the attack we have. It’s just about sometimes it comes off, sometimes it doesn’t.”

The win booked Nigeria a place in Sunday’s playoff final, where they will face DR Congo, who defeated Cameroon 1-0 in the other semi-final.

Meanwhile, Akor Adams said Nigeria’s slow start was simply a case of missed chances, although the team eventually found their rhythm. The Sevilla striker opened the scoring in the 78th minute before Gabon’s late equaliser forced extra time.

“We prepared for it and we got some opportunities in the first half. We were not as effective as we were in the second half, and you could see we scored four goals in the other part of the game,” Adams said in the mixed zone.

He spoke passionately about what the national team means to him. “I play with my heart. And, of course, thank God for the opportunity to represent Nigeria. It will always be an honour; it’s a privilege as well. My heart is in it, and whatever comes with it, I’m happy.”

Adams also expressed relief that the squad finished the game without injuries and stressed that the focus has now shifted to Sunday.