S/Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick signs new Brentford contract, promoted to first team

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick has signed a new four-year contract with Brentford after being promoted to the Premier League club’s first-team squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The English club confirmed the development in an official statement on Friday, announcing that the 21-year-old Nigeria international has also secured a club option for an additional year.

Fredrick, who linked up with Brentford’s senior squad for pre-season under new head coach Keith Andrews, was rewarded after impressing during his rise through the club’s B team and a loan spell with Belgian side FCV Dender.

“We’re delighted that Benji has signed a new deal and is going to be part of the group this season because we see a lot of potential in him and where we can bring his game to,” Andrews said.

“He’s already played senior international football and was a big part of Nigeria’s team in their World Cup qualifying campaign.”

The Brentford boss added that the immediate priority is helping Fredrick regain full fitness after the knee injury that ended his loan spell in Belgium before integrating him into the first-team squad.

A product of Simoiben Football Academy in Kaduna, Fredrick previously featured for Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC and Nasarawa United before joining Brentford B on loan in 2023. His performances earned him a permanent move in 2024, and he later won the Brentford B Players’ Player of the Year award.

The defender also enjoyed a breakthrough on the international stage, making his senior Super Eagles debut in the Unity Cup final against Jamaica before starting Nigeria’s final four matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He also featured in Nigeria’s African World Cup play-off campaign.

Reacting to his new deal, Fredrick expressed gratitude to the club and revealed his ambition of making his Premier League debut.

“It’s a great feeling. I’m happy and proud of myself, and my family are proud of me as well,” he said.

“The club has helped me a lot. Especially Neil (MacFarlane) when I first came here. He always encouraged me, never shouted when I made mistakes and just told me to keep my head down and keep playing. He’s helped me grow as a player and a person as well.”

Looking ahead, the Nigerian defender added: “I just want to keep pushing and learning every single day. My aim is to make my debut with the first team, get Premier League minutes and give my best when I have the opportunity.”