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“At his age”-Ekong said about Eric Chelle’s decision to bench him for Fredrick

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Soccer “At his age”- What Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong said about Eric Chelle’s decision to bench him for Fredrick

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, Pip of Benjamin Fredrick (Photos by Imago)

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle shocked fans with his decision to start Bejamin Fredrick ahead of William Troost-Ekong against Rwanda, and the decision paid off…

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has praised young defender Benjamin Fredrick for his performance against Rwanda on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Eric Chelle made a surprise decision to bench team skipper Troost-Ekong in favour of Fredrick against Rwanda.

Fredrick, 20, only made his debut for Nigeria at the Unity Cup in June, and Chelle was impressed, hence the decision to start him ahead of the well-experienced Troost-Ekong.

Soccer Nigeria forward Moses Daddy Simon 15 and Nigeria defender Benjamin Fredrick 3 pose with the cup after the Unity Cup Final, London 2025 match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium
Nigeria forward Moses Daddy Simon 15 and Nigeria defender Benjamin Fredrick 3 pose with the cup after the Unity Cup Final, London 2025 match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium (Photo by Imago)

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations MVP was later introduced into the game in the 87th minute, as Nigeria needed bodies at the back to defend a 1-0 lead.

The Super Eagles claimed all three points in the end. And after the game, Troost-Ekong was asked about how he felt about being benched for Fredrick, and he responded well, urging fans to get behind the Dender star.

Soccer William Paul Troost-Ekong and Coach Eric Chelle of Nigeria during the Men FIFA World Cup qualifiers match between Rwanda and Nigeria at Amahoro Stadium
William Paul Troost-Ekong and Coach Eric Chelle of Nigeria during the Men FIFA World Cup qualifiers match between Rwanda and Nigeria at Amahoro Stadium Copyright: ImagoxKarpushevx

“I think the focus shouldn’t be on me. Rather, I think we should say a big congratulations to Benjamin,” Troost-Ekong said.

“I think he played an amazing game today, to come into a game that was loaded with a lot of pressure in Uyo is not an easy thing. That is what should be happening today, congratulations to him.”

Ekong says the focus shouldn’t be on him that he didn’t start but we should say a big congratulation to Benjamin. pic.twitter.com/TG4y34BFv7

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) September 6, 2025

Soccer Benjamin Fredrick Set For Tougher Super Eagles Test On Tuesday

Following Nigeria’s win over Rwanda on Saturday, the Super Eagles will now travel to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa, a game that could decide if they make it to the 2026 World Cup or not.

Soccer South Africa celebration during the Men FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball qualifiers between South Afria and Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium
South Africa celebration during the Men FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball qualifiers between South Afria and Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium on March 21, 2025 in South Africa. Copyright: ImagoxPhillip Maeta

Benjamin Fredrick will face a sterner test against a quality Bafana Bafana team that will have the home fans behind them.

Nonetheless, he has shown that he can be stay calm even when under pressure. Eric Chelle will hope that Fredrick delivers once again and Nigerian claim all three points.

Soccer Kelvin Omachonu


Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

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