Oliseh hails Benjamin Fredrick’s remarkable performance against Gabon

Boluwatife Kehinde
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‎Speaking on the abilities of various Super Eagles’ performances and how well they performed, Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has applauded young defender Benjamin Fredrick for his outstanding display in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final victory over Gabon.
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‎Fredrick not only strengthened the Super Eagles’ backline but also surged forward from his centre-back position to set up Victor Osimhen’s opening goal.
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‎The 20-year-old maintained a high level of consistency throughout the match and, alongside Calvin Bassey, anchored a resilient defence that limited Gabon’s attacking opportunities.
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‎Although primarily a centre-back, Fredrick is versatile enough to feature as a right-back or a defensive midfielder. He earned his promotion to the senior national team in May 2025 following impressive performances at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
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‎In a post on X on Friday, Oliseh described Fredrick as “the most influential player” for the Super Eagles, praising his awareness, pace, decision-making, and simple yet effective style of play.
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‎“I personally found Benjamin Fredrick to be the most influential player yesterday versus Gabon for SuperEagles. Always well-positioned, pacy, decisive, and played simply. Now let’s celebrate today. But from tomorrow Congo needs to be our next victim,” Oliseh said.
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‎He added humorously, “Boy it feels great in the morning when Naija do well sha! Abi I lie? Have a nice day everyone.”
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‎Nigeria now looks ahead to a clash with the winner of the Cameroon vs. DR Congo tie on November 16, with a spot in the intercontinental playoff—and a chance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—up for grabs.
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‎Fredrick began his football journey at the Simoiben Academy in Kaduna before spells with ABS FC and Nasarawa United. In 2023, he signed for Brentford FC and later moved on loan to Belgian club K.F.C. Dender E.H. to gain valuable first-team experience.