Fredrick aims for EPL debut after new deal with Brentford

Nigeria's Benjamin Fredrick is looking forward to his Premier League debut for Brentford after signing a new four-year contract. He has also earned a spot in the Bees’ first-team squad.

“My aim is to make my debut with the first team, get Premier League minutes and give my best when I have the opportunity,” said the 21-year-old defender as he shared his goals for the upcoming season.

“I just want to keep pushing and learning every single day.”

Fredrick has joined Keith Andrews’ squad for pre-season. He signed the new deal, which has an option for another year, after impressing with Brentford’s B team. He called this achievement a proud moment for him and his family. “It is a great feeling. I am happy and proud of myself, and my family are proud of me as well,” he stated.

“The club has helped me a lot. When I came here, I was a little bit nervous and shy. I did not know how to do the basics because where I am from is a little bit different to here. Especially Neil (MacFarlane) when I first came here. He always encouraged me, never shouted when I made mistakes and just told me to keep my head down and keep playing. He has helped me grow as a player and a person as well.”

Head coach Andrews sees a lot of potential in the young defender. “We are delighted that Benji has signed a new deal and is going to be part of the group this season because we see a lot of potential in him and where we can bring his game to.

“He has already played senior international football and was a big part of Nigeria’s team in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Last season, he had a really productive loan in Belgium that was unfortunately cut short due to injury. The first port of call for Benji is to integrate into the squad consistently. His last game was the middle of November, so that is a long time he has had out through injury. He has then got to come into the first-team space, challenge his team-mates and show the ability and the personality which I know he has.”

Fredrick is a product of Simoiben Football Academy in his hometown of Kaduna. He spent the 2021/22 season at Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC before moving to Nasarawa United in Nigeria’s top flight. There, he played at centre-back and right-back while also representing Nigeria at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished third.

He joined Brentford B on loan in August 2023. After a strong first season under Neil MacFarlane, he was named on the bench for two Premier League games and two FA Cup ties. The loan moved to a permanent deal in April 2024. He continued to develop in 2024/25, appearing in two more Premier League matchday squads and playing a key role as the young Bees reached the Premier League Cup final and won the Under-21 Professional Development League national title. In May 2025, Fredrick was named Brentford B Players’ Player of the Year and later made his senior international debut for Nigeria in a penalty shoot-out victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Last season, the defender was on loan at FCV Dender. He made 15 appearances across the Belgian Pro League and Croky Cup before a knee injury ended his time there. During the September, October, and November international breaks, Fredrick started the last four matches of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. He also played in the Super Eagles’ win over Gabon in the African play-off semi-final before Nigeria lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties in the final.