Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has showered praise on rising star Benjamin Frédéric after Nigeria’s emphatic 4–1 victory over Gabon, a result that sealed the team’s place in the final round of the CAF play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Reacting to the performance, Oliseh described Frédéric as the standout player of the night, applauding his intelligence, work rate, and efficiency on the pitch.
“I personally found Benjamin Frédéric to be the most influential player yesterday versus Gabon for Super Eagles,” Oliseh said on X Friday, noting that the midfielder’s maturity and discipline were central to Nigeria’s dominance.
He highlighted the youngster’s tactical discipline and sharp decision-making, stressing that his movements continually gave the Super Eagles an edge in crucial moments.
“Always well positioned, pacy, decisive and played simply,” he added.
While celebrating the win, Oliseh — an Olympic and AFCON gold medalist — also urged the team and fans to quickly shift focus to the next challenge: a decisive showdown with Congo in the final play-off.
“Now let’s celebrate today. But from tomorrow, CONGO needs to be our next victim,” he declared, rallying support for the team’s push toward sealing a World Cup ticket.
The former captain expressed personal joy at the team’s improved performance and the national mood following the victory.
“Boy, it feels great in the morning when Naija do well, sha! Abi, I lie?” he said joyfully.
Nigeria now prepares for the all-important clash against DR Congo on Sunday, November 16, 2025, where a win would take them to another round of play-offs — the intercontinental play-off.
News.ng reports that victories in the remaining qualifying matches will book the Super Eagles’ return to the FIFA World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
