Nerves weren’t part of the bargain youngster Benjamin Frederick brought along when Rwanda called in Uyo for the crucial 2026 World Cup tie.
Confidence traded freely with the ex-junior international as he marshalled his rear area returning the signals from the defence pair, Calvin Bassey.
Keeping the rampaging Amavubis just right behind the enemy lines was indeed a sweet story Benjamin told of his second cap.
The Brentford loanee had fallen in love with the gaffer Eric Chelle as he stepped out in style and grit in the final of Unity Cup in London. The embattled Malian-French manager took his tactical bravado to dizzying heights sitting captain William Troost-Ekong out of the Uyo clash and throwing in Benjamin.
It was a huge gamble taken too far for the gaffer but the youngster returned the favours big time holding his own at the rear. The Dender of Belgium star lasted 90 minutes and even wanted more time if there was more time.
Such was the top level performance he showed that Chelle appreciated with roses and appeared he could welcome it again in Bloemfontein with tulips and daffodils.
Benjamin reprised his amazing London role in Uyo that added more admirers to his fan base as well as advancing his grip with the Super Eagles.
Two caps, two solid showings and a third in the Bloemfontein sight may have been concluded with the embattled gaffer. Troost-Ekong could well be watching from the dugout again.
The Bafana Bafana are tough customers and harder it gets with the gap in points in the log looking like flying into an unassailable lead. Benjamin will be hard pressed to impress should he get another nod.
His experience not yet mouthwatering, but Benjamin comes good with natural intelligence and brilliance. Tough on the ball and super strong to shake off the ball, Bafana Bafana frontmen may well remain boys in his sight.
Impressive ball handling plus admirable quickness, Benjamin remains a delight to watch. A consecutive gamble could decisively vindicate Chelle.
Just few months as a top professional in Belgium with six Belgian Jupiler League games under his belt, Benjamin’s inclusion may well be worth it.
Facing his first real baptism of fire, smart money is on him to push back the quick fire Bafana Bafana strikers and help earn his embattled side the victory.
As tough as the tie may seem, it remains to be seen if the Eagles’ backs will have on the wall to claim Bafana Bafana’s scalps. A slip shuts the door of the tripartite agreement in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Benjamin eyes kind fallouts from the tough encounter and nothing short of his 100 percent will do his game any good.
In truth, Troost-Ekong is getting on a bit and a few lapses on his part have hardly propelled Eagles. His replacement appears to come sooner than expected as Benjamin fits the bill nicely.
His London Unity Game outing wasn’t planned, sneaked in through the back door as injury list grew. Luckily, Eagles’ egg heads added no costs on their logistics to get the youngster in, the venue was his own ground. Benjamin appears to shun the back door for the exalted front door.
Needing no back door this time around, retiring captain and veteran Troost-Ekong could well be the biggest story eventually.
Benjamin’s Bloemfontein blues could well be the next chart burster.
Who knows?
IKENWA ASHIBUOGWU NNABUOGOR
