Super Eagles defender Benjamin Frederick has been ruled out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after sustaining a knee injury.

This hands head coach Eric Chelle a major setback ahead of next month’s tournament.

The 20-year-old, on loan at FCV Dender EH from Brentford, has been one of Nigeria’s biggest revelations since earning his maiden senior invitation in May.

His rapid rise made him an automatic starter, and the Super Eagles have avoided defeat in regulation time in every match he has featured in.

Key starter sidelined at crucial moment

Frederick played 120 minutes in Nigeria’s wins over Gabon and DR Congo during the November international window, though he appeared fatigued late on and suffered cramps.

When he missed Dender’s 2-1 defeat to Royal Antwerp last weekend, concerns mounted around his fitness.

According to journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, scans have now confirmed a knee injury severe enough to rule the young centre-back out of AFCON entirely, forcing him into a recovery-focused spell instead of joining the national team.

Chelle faces selection headache

The news comes as a major blow for Chelle, who has leaned heavily on Frederick’s composure and consistency.

His emergence had pushed William Troost-Ekong out of the starting XI, reshaping Nigeria’s defensive hierarchy.

Frederick now joins full-back Ola Aina on the list of potential absentees. While Aina remains doubtful but has resumed individual training, Frederick’s situation is far more definitive.