National Teams
Afcon blow for Nigeria as injured Fredericks withdraw, Tanimu poised for Nigeria call-up

By Dayo Awoniyi
Nigeria’s build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been dealt another major setback, with defender Benjamin Fredericks ruled out of the tournament following a knee injury.
The development comes just days after the Super Eagles’ agonizing failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria fell 4–3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16 after a 1–1 draw in extra time, confirming a second straight miss of football’s global showpiece.
Fredericks, one of the standout performers during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff campaign, had been expected to play a crucial role for head coach Eric Chelle at AFCON.
However, the Dender FC centre back missed Sunday’s Belgian Pro League fixture against Royal Antwerp, with medical assessments confirming he will not regain fitness before the tournament kicks off on December 21.
His absence has shifted focus to Benjamin Tanimu, the in-form defender impressing at Moroccan side Maghreb de Fès. Known for his physicality, composure, and consistency, Tanimu has emerged as the leading candidate to step into the Super Eagles’ defence.
The 23-year-old, who began his professional career at Bendel Insurance before spells with Singida Black Stars in Tanzania and subsequently in Morocco, earned his first senior Nigeria call-up in March 2024.
He made his Super Eagles debut on March 22, starting in the team’s 2–1 victory over Ghana.
With AFCON fast approaching, Tanimu’s rise offers Nigeria a timely defensive option as the team seeks continental redemption after a turbulent month.
