Nigerians defender, Calvin Bassey, has urged English Premier League side, Brentford, to promote Benjamin Fredrick to their first team squad without further delay.

This is following the youngster’s performance against Gabon in the 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon on Thursday evening.

The 20-year-old delivered a commanding display to see the Super Eagles thrash Gabon 4-1 as he kept kept Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quiet.

Nigeria’s goals came from the boots of Adams Akor, Chidera Ejuke and a brace from Victor Osimhen.

Mario Lemina goal’s deflected 89th minute strike forced the game into extra-time.

Bassey told Victor Modo, “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.”

He added, “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.”

DR Congo beat Cameroon 1-0 in the other semi-final fixture to set up a meeting with Nigeria in the final of the World Cup qualifying playoff.

2026 WCQ Playoff: Bassey tells Brighton to promote Super Eagles’ Fredrick to first team