'Amazing game' – Troost-Ekong names one Super Eagles player who impressed him in win v Rwanda

William Troost-Ekong reserved special praise for rookie defender Benjamin Fredrick following Nigeria's 1-0 victory over Rwanda in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Saturday.

Making his competitive debut for the Super Eagles in what was only his second senior cap, the Brentford loanee delivered a composed performance, playing a key role in helping goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali keep a clean sheet.

One of the major talking points before kickoff was manager Eric Chelle's decision to hand a starting berth to the relatively untested but highly rated youngster in such a high-stakes fixture, where there was little margin for error.

At the post-match press conference, Troost-Ekong was asked about starting the game from the bench, but he quickly redirected attention to Fredrick's performance.

"I want to add something to what the coach said. The focus shouldn't be on me, why I didn't start," Troost-Ekong told reporters.

"We should say a big congratulations to Benjamin. He played an amazing game today. To come in a game that is loaded with a lot of pressure at his age here in Uyo is not an easy thing.

"That is the only thing I wanted to add and that's the real question that should be answered and congratulations to him."

Chelle faces another crucial decision in the coming days — whether to keep faith with Fredrick for a potential winner-takes-all showdown against Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein, or turn to the experience of Chidozie Awaziem or captain William Troost-Ekong.

Fredrick was named Brentford B’s Players' Player of the Season for 2024-2025  after a string of standout performances that helped the Bees clinch the U21 Professional Development League title and reach the Premier League Cup final.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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