Calvin Bassey has urged Brentford to promote promising centre-back Benjamin Fredrick to their first team squad after the youngster delivered a commanding display in Nigeria's 4-1 victory over Gabon on Thursday evening, a performance in which he kept Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quiet.
The Brentford loanee 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 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs.
Eric Chelle's side needed extra time to seal the win, with goals from Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke and a brace from Victor Osimhen settling the contest, after Mario Lemina's deflected 89th minute strike forced a dramatic late twist.
One of the evening's most intriguing battles saw Fredrick go head-to-head with Aubameyang, one of Africa's most decorated forwards.
The 20-year-old centre-back rose to the occasion, producing a mature and composed performance that denied the former Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona striker any meaningful impact.
Fredrick crowned his impressive outing by providing the assist for Osimhen's first goal in the 102nd minute.
A product of the Simoiben Football Academy, he was named Brentford U21s Players' Player of the Year for the 2024–25 season before securing a season-long loan move to Belgian side FCV Dender EH in search of playing time.
Reflecting on the performance of Fredrick, Bassey told [Victor Modo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2kZjaxGCY4): "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. He's unbelievable."
Bassey highlighted that the Super Eagles' attacking quality has never been in doubt, with the team netting four goals for the second consecutive match.
"We always had the quality. It's amazing, of course, the pitch helped. We've always had goals in this team, look at the attack we have. It's just about sometimes it comes off, sometimes it doesn't."
Nigeria and DR Congo will meet in Sunday's African playoff final in Rabat, with the winner advancing to the Fifa inter-continental playoff final in March 2026.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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