Nigeria, Oct. 16 -- On a night when the Super Eagles rediscovered their ruthless edge, few players embodied Nigeria's resurgence better than Benjamin Fredrick.

The 20-year-old defender, playing out of position, turned in a performance that was as composed as it was fearless in the emphatic 4-0 victory over Benin in Uyo, a result that sealed Nigeria's place in the playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

While Victor Osimhen's hat-trick and Frank Onyeka's late strike stole the headlines, Fredrick's assured defensive display added a quiet steel to Nigeria's backline.

Against a Benin side managed by a familiar face in Gernot Rohr, the young defender neutralised wave after wave of attack, winning duels and showing a tactical maturit...