Super Eagles forward Moses Simon has pinpointed a significant absence in Nigeria's squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, stating that the team will sorely miss defender Benjamin Fredrick.
Simon's Emotional Tribute to Injured Protégé
In an interview with ESPN, the Paris FC winger expressed both pride and sadness regarding Fredrick's situation. Simon revealed a close mentor-mentee relationship with the young defender, describing the prospect of playing together at the continental tournament as an "unbelievable dream."
"It is very emotional for me," Simon said. "It is like a father and son playing alongside each other. I am proud of myself and what I'm doing, but I am sad that he will not be here. Not because I just want us to play together, but because he will help us if he was here."
Defensive Void in Morocco-Bound Squad
The 20-year-old Fredrick, who plays for Belgian club Dender on loan from Brentford, sustained a knee injury in training last month. Reports indicate he will be sidelined for approximately 12 weeks, ruling him out of the tournament entirely.
His absence compounds defensive worries for head coach Eric Chelle. Former captain William Troost-Ekong retired from international duty before the tournament, while full-back Ola Aina is still regaining fitness after an injury picked up during World Cup qualifiers.
Simon emphasized that Fredrick, who made his senior debut against Jamaica in May, would have played a vital role in stabilizing the backline, especially in Troost-Ekong's absence.
AFCON Schedule and Super Eagles' Group
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across nine cities.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Nigeria will begin their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on December 23.
Moses Simon has been a consistent feature under Coach Eric Chelle, participating in World Cup qualifiers, the Unity Cup, a friendly against Russia, and the World Cup playoffs. He, however, missed the recent friendly against Egypt on December 16.
Other Notable Squad Absences
The tournament will also mark the end of an era for Nigerian football, with record cap-holder Ahmed Musa having officially retired from international football after 111 appearances over a 15-year career.
Coach Chelle has already finalized his 28-man squad for the tournament, released on December 11, with Fredrick and Porto's Zaidu Sanusi among those missing out due to injury.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their AFCON opener, the experience of players like Moses Simon will be crucial in navigating a challenging group and compensating for the absence of key defensive figures like the promising Benjamin Fredrick.
