Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has singled out defender Benjamin Frederick for special praise following Nigeria's triumph over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final on Saturday.
Frederick, who plays for Premier League side Brentford, delivered an impressive performance on his debut for the national team, despite only joining the squad in the UK a day before the match.
The 20-year-old defender showed remarkable composure after being handed a surprise start by Chelle, displaying maturity beyond his years on the international stage.
Speaking to the media after the game, Chelle was effusive in his praise for the young defender: "Benjamin Frederick was good. He was very calm and composed. Technically, he's close to perfect — especially when it comes to touching the ball and making strong passes."
The final ended 2-2 after regulation time, with Nigeria eventually claiming victory through a 5-4 penalty shootout win over the Jamaicans.
Frederick's assured debut adds to the positive atmosphere surrounding the Super Eagles, who have now secured the 2025 Unity Cup trophy under Chelle's guidance.
The victory has been well-received by Nigerian football fans, with many expressing excitement about the team's performance and the emergence of new talent like Frederick ahead of future competitions.
