Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has applauded young defender Benjamin Fredrick for his impressive display in Nigeria’s 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final.
Nigeria reached the playoff stage as one of the best runners-up in the African qualifiers, helped by a dominant 4–0 win over Benin Republic where Victor Osimhen grabbed a hat-trick. In Thursday’s semi-final, Akor Adams put Nigeria ahead before Gabon equalised, forcing the match into extra time.
The Super Eagles took charge from there. Chidera Ejuke restored the lead, and Osimhen added two more goals to seal the win. At the back, Fredrick and Calvin Bassey provided stability, shutting down Gabon’s key attacks.
Reacting on X, Oliseh described Fredrick as Nigeria’s “most influential player” on the night, praising his sharp positioning, pace, confidence, and simple-but-effective style.
“I personally found Benjamin Fredrick to be the most influential player yesterday versus Gabon for the Super Eagles. Always well positioned, pacy, decisive and played simply. Now let’s celebrate today. But from tomorrow, Congo needs to be our next victim,” Oliseh wrote.
He added jokingly, “Boy, it feels great in the morning when Naija do well sha! Abi I lie?”
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Nigeria now awaits the winner of the Cameroon vs DR Congo tie, with the final playoff scheduled for November 16. The victor will move into the inter-continental playoff for a chance to book a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fredrick, 20, began his career at Simoiben Academy in Kaduna and later featured for ABS FC and Nasarawa United before moving abroad. Brentford FC signed him in 2023 and loaned him to Belgian club K.F.C. Dender E.H. for first-team development. Naturally a centre-back, he can also play as a right-back or defensive midfielder. His promotion to the Super Eagles in May 2025 followed strong performances at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
