Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick has completed a loan switch from Brentford to FC Dender in Belgium’s top division, NaijNaira can report.
The 20-year-old moves to the newly promoted side after two years with Brentford’s U21s, where he earned their 2024/25 Player of the Year award.
Fredrick made his senior Nigeria debut at the 2025 Unity Cup in London, drawing praise for his poise and control in defence under head coach Eric Chelle.
“Benjamin Frederick was good. He was very calm and composed… Technically, he’s close to perfect,” Chelle told reporters after Nigeria’s clash with Jamaica.
Brentford signed Fredrick in 2023, and the Kaduna-born centre-back now joins a Belgian side where he could face fellow Nigerians Tolu Arokodare of Genk and Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge.
Coach Chelle has made it clear he wants to introduce more young defenders into Nigeria’s national setup ahead of the next AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
Moses Simon, a teammate at the Unity Cup, also spoke highly of the youngster: “He is a very good talent… Brentford are lucky to have him.”
Fredrick’s goal at FC Dender will be to earn more minutes, stay in the national team picture, and take the next leap in his European journey.
Article updated 3 days ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
