Bassey urges Brentford to recall Fredrick from his Belgian loan spell as he is ready for the Premiership

FULHAM'S Calvin Bassey has urged English Premier League side Brentford to recall his international central defensive partner Benjamin Fredrick back from his loan spell at Belgian side Dender as he has proven that he is good enough to play with the best.

Last night, Fredrick and Bassey formed a cohesive defensive partnership as Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 in the semi finals of the African World cup play-offs. Only 20, Fredrick was charged with marking former Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the match and he successfully kept the Gabonese danger man quiet all evening.

A product of Nigeria's Simoiben Football Academy, Fredrick was signed by Brentford in August 2023 on loan with the option to make the deal permanent after excelling with Nigeria's U20 team the Flying Eagles. In April 2024, Brentford turned the loan deal into a permanent transfer with Fredrick signing a four-year contract and then on July 25 this year, he was sent to Dender in a season-long loan deal to enable him get playing time.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, chanced Fredrick in his starting line-up during the Unity Cup in London in May this year and was so impressed with the youngster that he has now become a regular starter. Last night, Fredrick proved his value again, forming a formidable partnership with Bassey in the heart of the Nigerian defence.

Fredrick emerged as arguably the standout performer at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, where the Super Eagles booked their place in the final of the African World Cup qualifying play-offs. To crown a glorious evening, Fredrick then provided the assist for Victor Osimhen's first goal in the 102nd minute.

Bassey said: "He's amazing. His potential is unbelievable and he's a good kid. He wants to learn, he's down to earth, he's unbelievable. For me, I think Brentford should get him back in the first team because he’s so good."

Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo will meet in Sunday's African play-off final in Rabat, with the winner advancing to the Fifa inter-continental playoff final in March 2026. Next year's intercontinental play-off will include two teams from North and Central America and one each from the Asian, Oceania and South American confederations, of which two will qualify for the World Cup.