Transfer: Super Eagles and Brentford starlet Benjamin Fredrick joins Arokodare in Belgium

The Super Eagles' new boy, Benjamin Federick, will likely share the same pitch with Tolu Arokodare, who plays for KRC Genk, or even Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge

Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick has sealed a loan move from English Premier League club Brentford to a newly promoted side in the Belgian Pro League, FC Dender, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 20-year-old made his senior debut for Nigeria at the 2025 Unity Cup in London, where his calm and composed performances at the heart of the defence caught the attention of fans and head coach Eric Chelle.

The Kaduna-born centre-back, who joined Brentford in 2023, spent two seasons with the club’s U21 team and was named Brentford’s U21 Player of the Year for the 2024/2025 season.

Breaking: Benjamin Fredrick wins Brentford U21 players player of the year.

One of our own. pic.twitter.com/gddjLy1yEa

— SIMOIBEN FOOTBALL CLUB KADUNA NIG (@SimoibenN) May 20, 2025

His move to Belgium, where he is likely to face Tolu Arokodare, who plays for KRC Genk, is seen as a key step in gaining more first-team experience in a competitive European league.

Benjamin Frederick and Eric Chelle [Photo credit/X]

Speaking about Fredrick’s qualities after Nigeria’s win over Jamaica at the Unity Cup, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle had said:

“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. He reads the game well, but of course, there’s room for improvement. We conceded a goal, and maybe he could have done something differently in that situation.”

Final Nigeria manager Eric Chelle during the Unity Cup Final [Photo credit/IMAGO]

Chelle has openly stated his intention to inject younger defenders into the Super Eagles setup as Nigeria prepares for the upcoming AFCON tournament and World Cup qualifiers. Fredrick is understood to be on that watch list.

Teammate Moses Simon also praised the youngster after their appearance together at the Unity Cup.

“Playing alongside Fredrick in the Nigeria jersey was a proud moment for me and our club,” Simon said. “He is a very good talent, and the future looks very bright for him. Brentford are lucky to have him because he is an all-around and hardworking young boy. I will be following his development with unwavering support as a proud mentor.”

Moses Simon and Benjamin Frederick [Photo credit/X]

With the move to FC Dender now confirmed, Fredrick will aim to build on the momentum from his Super Eagles debut and make a case for regular international selection.