Brentford name three Nigerians in Premier League squad, including returning defender Benjamin Fredrick

Brentford have included Nigeria international defender Benjamin Fredrick in their official Premier League squad, with the 18-year-old returning after an eight-month injury absence. Fredrick is one of three Nigerians named in head coach Keith Andrews’ squad for the new campaign.

The Premier League season began yesterday, with champions Arsenal opening their title defence with a 3-0 victory over Coventry City.

Fredrick did not feature in any of Brentford’s pre-season matches as he continued his rehabilitation from the injury sustained during a loan spell with Belgian club FC Dender. However, his return to full fitness has allowed him to be included in the first-team group.

He will wear squad number 48 after being permanently promoted to Brentford’s senior team during the summer.

The other Nigerians in the club’s squad are striker Kaye Furo and left-back Jayden Meghoma.

Furo, the son of former Nigeria international Furo Iyenemi, has been assigned shirt number 47. The young forward spent the summer break in Nigeria and has represented Belgium at youth level.

Recent reports from sources close to his father indicate that Furo is considering switching his international allegiance to Nigeria, although he has so far appeared for Belgium’s youth teams.

Meghoma, who is eligible to represent England, has been given number 21. The left-back spent last season with Scottish club Rangers and has made clear that he is open to playing for Nigeria.

The trio’s inclusion means Brentford have three players with Nigerian connections in their official squad for the Premier League campaign.

Fredrick’s selection is particularly notable after the defender spent much of the previous season sidelined. His injury was suffered while he was on loan at FC Dender, and he had been out of action for eight months before returning to full fitness.

Despite not taking part in Brentford’s pre-season fixtures, he remains part of Andrews’ plans as the club prepares for the new Premier League season.

The squad announcement came as Brentford finalised their group for a campaign that began with Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Coventry City. Fredrick, Furo and Meghoma will now compete for opportunities at the west London club, while their international futures remain a focus of interest, particularly in the cases of Furo and Meghoma.