Nigeria football legend Kanu Nwankwo has shared words of wisdom with young Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick, encouraging him to stay humble and focused following his impressive rise to the national team.
According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria.com, Kanu had a brief but impactful chat with the 20-year-old after his recent performances in the World Cup qualifiers, where he has been one of Nigeria’s standout defenders.
Fredrick has featured in Nigeria’s last four international matches, proving his versatility by excelling both as a centre-back and a right-back.
During those games, the Super Eagles kept two clean sheets, with the only goals conceded coming from an own goal by William Troost-Ekong in the 1-1 draw against South Africa and a goalkeeper error by Stanley Nwabali in the 2-1 win over Lesotho.
His composure, positioning, and calmness under pressure have quickly made him one of the most promising young defenders in the national setup.
Speaking to the youngster, Kanu — who knows what it means to rise through the ranks and shine on the global stage — offered heartfelt advice on maintaining growth and focus.
A source close to the player revealed:
“It was a conversation of pure encouragement with words of advice on how to continue his growth. Kanu knows better when it comes to young players breaking into the Super Eagles, so it’s only normal to listen when he speaks.”
The conversation reportedly centered on discipline, consistency, and mental strength, traits that helped Kanu enjoy a decorated career with Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal, and the Nigerian national team.
Fredrick is expected to be part of the Super Eagles squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers playoff, and with his steady rise, he is quickly earning the trust of the technical crew and senior players alike.
As Nigeria continues its push toward World Cup qualification, the mentorship from legends like Kanu could prove invaluable for the team’s next generation of stars.
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