Brentford have promoted Nigerian defender Benjamin Fredrick to their first-team squad and handed him a new four-year contract, the Premier League club announced — SuperEaglesNG.com reports.
The deal will keep the 21-year-old at Brentford until 2030. The club also has an option to extend the contract by another year.
Fredrick joined Brentford in 2023 and developed through the club’s B team before earning his place in the senior squad.
The defender has also played for Nigeria. He featured in the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Benjamin Fredrick’s Journey From Kaduna To Brentford
Fredrick started his football career at Simoiben Football Academy in Kaduna.
He later joined Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC before moving to Nasarawa United.
At Nasarawa United, he played as both a centre-back and a right-back.
His performances earned him a place in Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. The Flying Eagles finished third in the tournament.
Brentford brought him to England on loan in August 2023. He joined the club’s B team under former coach Neil MacFarlane.
After a strong first season, Brentford made the move permanent in April 2024.
During the 2024/25 season, Fredrick helped Brentford B reach the Premier League Cup final. He also helped the team win the Under-21 Professional Development League title.
In May 2025, he was named Brentford B Players’ Player of the Year.
Super Eagles Defender Prepares For Premier League Challenge
Fredrick made his senior Nigeria debut in 2025 during the Unity Cup final against Jamaica.
He later played in Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The defender started Nigeria’s final four qualifying matches. He also played in the African play-off matches against Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Fredrick spent part of the 2025/26 season on loan at Belgian club FCV Dender.
He made 15 appearances before a knee injury ended his loan spell.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews said Fredrick will now compete for a place in the first-team squad.
“He’s already played senior international football and was a big part of Nigeria’s team in their World Cup qualifying campaign,” Andrews said.
Fredrick can play in central defence and at right-back. He said his goal is to keep improving, earn Premier League minutes and take his chances when they come.
The Nigerian defender will now continue his development with Brentford’s senior team while competing for more opportunities with the Super Eagles.
