Benjamin Fredrick: The five-step journey from Simoiben Academy prodigy to Super Eagles standout

On a night when the Super Eagles rediscovered their ruthless edge, few players embodied Nigeria’s resurgence better than Benjamin Fredrick.

The 20-year-old defender, playing out of position, turned in a performance that was as composed as it was fearless in the emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin in Uyo, a result that sealed Nigeria’s place in the playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

While Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s late strike stole the…