Nigeria U20 international wins Brentford's U21s Players' Player of the Year award

Nigeria U20 international Benjamin Fredrick has capped off an impressive season by being named Brentford U21s Players’ Player of the Year at the club's 2024-2025 end-of-season awards.

Fredrick, who joined the Premier League side on a permanent basis last summer from Nigerian outfit Simoiben FC, signed a four-year deal with an option for a further season, tying him to the Bees until at least 2028.

This season, the 19-year-old central defender featured in 30 matches across the Professional Development League (PDL) and domestic cup competitions, playing a key role in Brentford B’s campaign.

His standout moment came in the PDL playoff semifinal, where he scored against Sheffield United to help the young Bees secure a place in the national final against Bournemouth on Wednesday night.

Fredrick's consistency and maturity in defence have also caught the attention of first-team head coach Thomas Frank.

The teenager was named in the senior squad for four Premier League fixtures this season — against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth — though he is yet to make his competitive debut.

Last season, Fredrick was also included on the bench for two Emirates FA Cup ties against Wolverhampton Wanderers but remained an unused substitute on both occasions.

Reacting to the award, Fredrick expressed gratitude for the recognition: "I'm really pleased to be recognised by my team-mates. Obviously being a player that has come from Nigeria, I've had to adapt and I'm happy that the hard work that I have put in is paying off.

"Next season, the plan is to try and make my debut for the first team."

Born on May 28, 2005, Fredrick remains eligible to represent Nigeria at the 2025 Fifa U20 World Cup in Chile, with squad selection for the tournament expected later this year.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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