Nigerian Footballer Benjamin Fredrick to Miss AFCON 2025 Due to Knee Injury

Nigerian footballer Benjamin Fredrick will miss AFCON 2025 after sustaining a knee injury during training with Belgian club FC Dender. The 20-year-old featured in Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Eric Chell, a versatile defender, will replace Fredrick, who is expected to return to action after AFCON. Fredrick's absence poses a challenge for Nigeria's defense, especially after his recent performances for both club and country.