Rising Super Eagles defender, Benjamin Fredrick, will miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to a knee injury.

The 20-year-old, who has been in impressive form this season, sustained the injury during training at Belgian Pro League club Dender last Friday.

The injury is a big blow to the Super Eagles, as the versatile defender has cemented his place in the team under coach Eric Chelle.

He has made six appearances since his debut against the Reggae Boys of Jamaica in May.

The defender missed Dender’s 2–1 victory over Royal Antwerp last weekend.

Fredrick is expected to return to action after the AFCON 2025 finals.

He is currently on loan at Dender from Premier League club Brentford.