Benjamin Fredrick speaks about the injury that sidelined him for over a month!

Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick has spoken candidly about the challenging chapter of his career that followed an injury which left him watching from the sidelines for months on end.

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according to All Nigeria Soccer, The setback struck after Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures, forcing the young defender into a long and demanding rehabilitation process. On a brighter note, Brentford confirmed in July that the 21-year-old had been elevated to the first-team squad and rewarded with a fresh four-year deal, complete with the option of an additional year. Looking back on that difficult spell, Fredrick confessed that what stung most was the manner in which the injury came about.

"I got injured after the last World Cup qualifiers against Congo. When I went back to my club, I got injured in training. So, I was very disappointed and angry with myself," Fredrick told Festus Dada.

The frustration, Fredrick explained, stemmed from how the injury came about — a moment he wished he could take back.

"I was angry with myself because of the way I got injured. I was supposed to just let the ball go, but unfortunately, I tried to stop it and got injured. So, I was angry with myself and disappointed."

Yet there was a source of inspiration that kept him going: the sight of his Super Eagles teammates battling their way through the Afcon. Watching them gave him something to chase, a reminder that his own comeback was still possible.

"But watching the Super Eagles, watching everyone going to the Afcon, motivates me that I can still come back better and be with the team again. So, it has been a very difficult month," he added.

Through those long months of rehabilitation, Fredrick was never short of support. Those closest to him made sure of that.

"The last six months have been very difficult for me, but I have been motivating myself. My family and friends have also been encouraging me that I will come back better."

And the hard work has begun to pay off. Fredrick has already worked his way into Brentford's first-team picture, earning a spot among the substitutes for the clash with Chelsea on September 18.

Reflecting on that milestone, the defender could hardly hide his delight.

"It's been a pleasure. You know, it's a dream to be in a Premier League squad, being on the bench, watching players you've been watching when you were young, being there with them. It's a pleasure and a great feeling for me as well."

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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Nigeria

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations