'I told him some stuff' - Moses Simon reveals message to Fredrick before Super Eagles debut

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has shared the motivational words he offered to young defender Benjamin Fredrick ahead of his debut in Nigeria’s Unity Cup win over Jamaica on Saturday evening.

Fredrick, who recently won the U21 Premier League with Brentford, started and completed the match alongside Simon, helping Nigeria secure a 5-4 penalty shootout victory after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Speaking during his post-match interview monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Simon revealed that he offered guidance and encouragement to the 20-year-old ahead of the game.

"I told him some stuff, some key roles, he just needs to believe in himself, for the manager to put you in, it shows the manager believes in you, so do your thing, and besides I am close to you," the Nantes star said.

Simon praised Fredrick’s composed performance, noting that the coaches and teammates were impressed by his debut display.

"He showed himself, he didn't lose a lot of balls, everybody is proud of him, even the manager, so it is really good."

Fredrick, a product of Simoiben Football Academy, which is linked to Moses Simon, has long been seen as a rising talent. 

His debut marks a major step forward in his development. Reflecting on the journey of the academy graduate, Simon expressed personal pride in Fredrick’s progress.

"Of course, it was a thing of joy, to see the boy from the academy playing for the national team. Now he's not a boy anymore, he's my teammate, I am glad he's here and I keep pushing him, he can do better."

Fredrick will now be aiming to build on his impressive debut to secure more invitations to the national team and break into the senior side at Brentford ahead of the 2025/2026 season.

Adeyemi Adewale

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