Bassey Urges Brentford to Promote Benjamin Fredrick After Superb Display Against Gabon
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has called on English Premier League club Brentford to immediately promote young Nigerian centre-back Benjamin Fredrick to their first-team squad.
Bassey’s strong recommendation comes after Fredrick’s outstanding performance in Nigeria’s 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup African playoffs on Thursday evening.
The 20-year-old delivered a commanding defensive display, keeping Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quiet throughout the match. His composure and maturity at the back helped Nigeria control the game as goals from Adams Akor, Chidera Ejuke, and a brace from Victor Osimhen sealed the win.
A deflected late strike from Mario Lemina in the 89th minute had forced the game into extra-time, but the Super Eagles remained dominant.
Speaking to Victor Modo after the match, Bassey was full of praise for the Brentford loanee.
“He’s amazing. His potential is unbelievable and he’s a good kid,” Bassey said. “He wants to learn, he’s down to earth. He’s unbelievable.
“For me, I think Brentford should get him back in the first team because he’s so good. He’s unbelievable.”
Bassey also praised Nigeria’s overall performance, adding:
“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. Sometimes it comes off, sometimes it doesn’t.”
Nigeria will now meet DR Congo in the final of the World Cup qualifying playoff after the Leopards defeated Cameroon 1–0 in the other semi-final. The winners will progress to the inter-continental playoffs for a chance to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
