Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick has signed a new deal at Premier League side Brentford and has also been handed a promotion to the first team, www.aclsports.com reports.
The 21-year-old Nigeria international, who has linked up with Keith Andrews’ squad during pre-season, has signed a new four-year contract, with a club option of a further year.
Head coach Andrews said: “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.
“He’s already played senior international football and was a big part of Nigeria’s team in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Last season, he had a really productive loan in Belgium that was unfortunately cut short due to injury.
“The first port of call for Benji is to integrate into the squad consistently. His last game was in the middle of November, so that’s a long time he’s had out through injury. He’s then got to come into the first-team space, challenge his team-mates and show the ability and the personality which I know he has.”
Fredrick, a product of Simoiben Football Academy in his hometown of Kaduna, spent the 2021/22 season at ABS FC before moving to Nasarawa United in the NPFL, and then representing Nigeria at the Under-20s Africa Cup of Nations, where the Flying Eagles finished third.
Fredrick initially joined Brentford B on loan in August 2023. During an impressive first season under Neil MacFarlane, he was named on the bench for two Premier League games and two FA Cup ties before Brentford made the move permanent in April 2024.
In May 2025, Fredrick was named Brentford B Players’ Player of the Year and, later that month, made his senior international debut for Nigeria in a penalty shoot-out victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final at Gtech Community Stadium.
Fredrick joined FCV Dender on loan for the 2025/26 campaign and made 15 appearances across the Belgian Pro League and Croky Cup before a knee injury ended his loan spell early.
Following an excellent Unity Cup performance, Fredrick was called up by Eric Chelle, and the young defender started the final four matches of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group. He also started their win against Gabon in the African play-off semi-final, before Nigeria were beaten by DR Congo following a penalty shoot-out in the final.
“It’s a great feeling. I’m happy and proud of myself, and my family are proud of me as well. The club has helped me a lot. When I came here, I was a little bit nervous and shy. I didn’t know how to do the basics because where I’m from is a little bit different to here,” said the 21-year-old Nigeria international.
”My aim is to make my debut with the first team, get Premier League minutes and give my best when I have the opportunity,” Fredrick said on what he hopes to achieve in the new Premier League season.
