Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick out of AFCON 2025 after knee injury
The Super Eagles have been dealt a major blow ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as defender Benjamin Fredrick has been ruled out of the tournament following a knee injury sustained while training with Belgian club Dender.
The 20-year-old, who is on loan from Brentford, will only be available after AFCON concludes in Morocco. Fredrick had become a reliable starter under head coach Eric Chelle, featuring in the team’s last six matches and establishing himself as one of the squad’s standout young defenders.
His absence now forces Chelle to rethink defensive strategies as Nigeria enters the final stage of AFCON preparations. With the tournament just weeks away, losing a key player at this stage presents both tactical and selection challenges for the team.
Despite the setback, preparations continue at full speed. Nigeria has officially submitted its 55-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025, following CAF’s updated rules allowing teams to register up to 27 players, although expenses will only be covered for 23, leaving federations to fund any additional selections.
The provisional squad marks the first significant step in the Super Eagles’ build-up. The team will open camp in Morocco on 8 December, after which Chelle will trim the squad to between 24 and 27 players ahead of the tournament.
The squad includes most of Nigeria’s regular starters alongside several emerging talents closely monitored by the coaching staff. These young players are seen as long-term prospects who could form the core of the national team in the coming years.
Coach Chelle has stressed the importance of squad depth, tactical flexibility, and mental resilience as Nigeria aims to mount a serious challenge for the title. The Super Eagles reached the final at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, and the team is determined to go one step further in Morocco.
CAF’s revised squad policy is designed to help teams manage injury risks and the tight tournament schedule while encouraging federations to remain mindful of financial realities. Nigeria will begin their AFCON 2025 campaign on 21 December, with the competition running until 18 January.
