Brentford promotes Nigerian defender Ben Fredrick to first team on new deal
Brentford have promoted Nigerian defender Benjamin Fredrick to their first‑team squad and awarded him a new four‑year contract running until 2030, with an option to extend for a further year. The 21‑year‑old international, who joined Brentford’s B team on loan in August 2023 before signing permanently in April 2024, has been training with Keith Andrews’ senior side ahead of the new season. Andrews praised Fredrick’s potential, noting his senior international experience and a productive loan spell at Belgian side FCV Dender during 2025/26 that was cut short by a knee injury. Fredrick has featured for Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, started the Unity Cup final win over Jamaica, and played in the African World Cup play‑off semi‑final win over Gabon before the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties. He was named Brentford B Players’ Player of the Year in May 2025 after helping the reserve side reach the Premier League Cup final and win the Under‑21 Professional Development League title. Having progressed from Kaduna’s Simoiben Football Academy through Nasarawa United in the NPFL, Fredrick says his aim is to make his Premier League debut and contribute whenever called upon.