Eric Chelle Replaces Benjamin Fredrick As Injury Rules Super Eagles Star Out of AFCON 2025
- Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly identified Benjamin Fredrick’s replacement in his AFCON squad
- Fredrick was ruled out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a knee injury in training at Belgian club Dender
- The manager is expected to announce his 55-man preliminary squad for the tournament in Morocco in the coming days
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Eric Chelle has reportedly identified Benjamin Fredrick’s replacement in Super Eagles’ 55-man preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Fredrick has been a mainstay of the Nigerian national team defence since his debut in June and is gradually easing captain William Troost-Ekong out of the team.
Source: Getty Images
The young defender featured during Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier and playoff matches in September, October and November, delivering top performances.
However, his dream of representing the country at AFCON 2025 was ended after suffering a knee injury after returning to Dender after Nigeria's loss to DR Congo, as noted by All Nigeria Soccer.
The news of his injury has sent shockwaves across Nigerian football as he is one of the most important players in the team heading into the tournament.
Chelle identifies Fredrick’s replacement
According to OwnGoal Nigeria, Eric Chelle has found a replacement for the 20-year-old defender ahead of announcing his preliminary squad for AFCON 2025.
The manager has not disclosed this replacement as he keeps his cards close to his chest, while consulting with the Nigeria Football Federation before announcing his squad.
Fredrick became the third Super Eagles defender to be ruled out or doubtful for AFCON 2025 after Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina and Werder Bremen star Felix Agu.
Source: Getty Images
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