‘It's going to be a shame’ - Super Eagles legend explains how Fredrick's injury will affect Nigeria

He stated that the young defender is "one for the future" and would have been crucial for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Fredrick, who is on loan from Brentford, suffered an injury during training shortly after his involvement with Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The timing of the injury is expected to sideline him until after the AFCON tournament in Morocco, effectively ruling him out of contention for head coach Eric Chelle's squad.

As the youngest member of the current national team, Fredrick had become a mainstay, playing every minute of the Super Eagles' last six competitive matches.

His performances have drawn considerable praise, particularly his dominant display in a 4-1 win against Gabon, where he successfully neutralised former Barcelona and Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Sodje expressed his disappointment over the injury, highlighting Fredrick's versatility and growing importance to the team's structure.

"Fredrick will be a massive miss for the national team for the Africa Cup of Nations. It's going to be a shame he's not going to make it," Sodje said in an interview.

"He's coming on really well—young, with pace. He's got every attribute to become a very good player; he's definitely one for the future."

"He's only missing experience from playing with the national team. The way he plays, the way he carries himself—he could play anywhere in defence: right-back, centre-back, he can even play in midfield," he added.

"So he will be a big miss. I hope he gets well soon because he's going to be a massive player for the national team."