Nigerian international, Benjamin Fredrick, has promised to give his best to Brentford in the Premier League from the 2026/27 season.

Brentford announced on Friday that it had promoted Fredrick into the senior team, following the defender’s impressive performances with the club’s youth side.

He shared his thoughts after signing a fresh four-year contract at Brentford and being promoted to the Bees’ first-team squad.

Fredrick highlighted his former B-team head coach – now assistant first-team coach – Neil MacFarlane for praise and explained how much he has developed since moving to the west London club, initially on loan, in August 2023.

“It is a great feeling. I am happy and proud of myself, and my family are proud of me as well,” said the 21-year-old Nigerian international.

“The club has helped me a lot. When I came here, I was a little bit nervous and shy. I didn’t know how to do the basics because where I’m from is a little bit different to here.

“Especially Neil when I first came here. He always encouraged me, never shouted when I made mistakes and just told me to keep my head down and keep playing. He’s helped me grow as a player and a person as well.”

Asked about his ambitions for the 2026/27 season, Fredrick continued: “I just want to keep pushing and learning every single day.

“My aim is to make my debut with the first team, get Premier League minutes and give my best when I have the opportunity.”

A product of Super Eagles forward, Moses Simon-owned Simoiben Football Academy in his hometown of Kaduna, Fredrick spent the 2021/22 season at Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC before moving to Nasarawa United in Nigeria’s top flight.

He featured at centre-back and right-back during the following campaign, while also representing his country at the Under-20s Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished third.

Fredrick initially joined Brentford B on loan in August 2023. During an impressive first season under Neil MacFarlane, he was named on the bench for two Premier League games and two FA Cup ties, before Brentford made the move permanent in April 2024.

He continued to excel in 2024/25, featuring in two more Premier League matchday squads and playing a pivotal role as the young Bees reached the Premier League Cup final and won the Under-21 Professional Development League national title.

In May 2025, Fredrick was named Brentford B Players’ Player of the Year and, later that month, made his senior international debut for Nigeria in a penalty shoot-out victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final at Gtech Community Stadium.

Fredrick joined FCV Dender on loan for the 2025/26 campaign and made 15 appearances across the Belgian Pro League and Croky Cup before a knee injury ended his loan spell early.

During the September, October and November international breaks, Fredrick started the final four matches of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group.

The central defender also started their win against Gabon in the African play-off semi-final, before Nigeria lost to DR Congo following a penalty shoot-out in the final.