Benjamin Fredrick set to return for Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying campaign

Brentford defender Benjamin Fredrick is expected to return to the Nigeria squad for September’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, according to OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Nigeria will open their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON with a home match against Madagascar in Uyo on 23 September. Four days later, the Super Eagles will travel for their second fixture against Guinea-Bissau.

Head coach Eric Chelle is targeting a positive start to the qualifying campaign and has already been in contact with players he plans to select for the two matches.

Fredrick is among those Chelle wants back in the senior squad after recovering from the injury that has kept him out since November. The Brentford defender recently moved closer to a full return by playing 45 minutes for the club’s Under-21 team.

The 21-year-old began all eight matches he had played for Nigeria before sustaining the injury. That absence ultimately ruled him out of the AFCON, but Chelle remains keen to have him involved again, even if his initial role is as a back-up option.

The coach had tried to select Fredrick for Nigeria’s summer Unity Cup tournament. However, Brentford prevented the move, with the club insisting that the defender should be allowed to return to competitive football gradually.

Fredrick’s latest appearance for the Under-21 side has nevertheless strengthened the prospect of his involvement in the September qualifiers. Chelle is understood to remain determined to include him as Nigeria begin their bid to reach the 2027 AFCON.

His return would give the Super Eagles another defensive option as they prepare for the opening two games of the campaign. Fredrick’s previous involvement with the national team, which included eight starts before his injury, has made him a player Chelle continues to value.

Nigeria’s first match will take place in Uyo against Madagascar on 23 September, before the team faces Guinea-Bissau away four days later. Chelle has already begun planning for both fixtures as he looks to make an effective start to the qualifying process.

Brentford’s decision during the Unity Cup was based on a desire to manage Fredrick’s return carefully after his lengthy absence. His 45-minute Under-21 appearance represents his first reported step back towards regular competitive football and has opened the way for consideration by Nigeria once again.

The defender is now in line to be part of Chelle’s plans for the September international window, with the coach prepared to use him either as a starter or as cover while he continues to regain full match sharpness.