AFCON 2025: Tanimu may replace injured Fredrick as Senegal coach backs Super Eagles

Just a few days after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been dealt another blow as Benjamin Fredericks is set to miss the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations due to injury.

‎Nigeria, on Sunday, 16th November, suffered a 3-4 penalty loss at the hands of the Democratic Republic of Congo after extra time ended 1-1, a result that ensures Nigeria missed the World Cup for a second straight time.

‎One player instrumental to Nigeria's run to the Africa playoff final and was hopeful to make an impact at the AFCON, was Benjamin Fredericks. But the versatile defender missed club side Dender’s Belgian Pro League victory over Royal Antwerp on Sunday due to a knee injury, with sources disclosing he won't recover in time for AFCON 2025, which begins on December 21.

‎It is glaring that Benjamin Tanimu, who plies his trade for Moroccan side Maghreb of Fez, whose work rate at the heart of the defence will be required by Coach Eric Chelle.

‎23-year-old Tanimu began his professional career with Bendel Insurance before signing for Singida Black Stars of Tanzania, and is currently in Morocco.

‎The Benin City-born defender represented Nigeria at the under-23 level and was handed his first call-up to the Super Eagles in March 2024 for friendlies against Ghana and Mali. He made his debut for Nigeria on 22 March, starting in a 2–1 win over Ghana.

Elsewhere, former Senegal coach and Teranga Lions legend Aliou Cissé has named Nigeria’s Super Eagles among the top contenders for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.

Cissé shared his thoughts following Libya’s elimination in the Arab Cup playoffs on Tuesday.

When asked about Senegal’s prospects of reclaiming the continental crown, the former defender expressed optimism but acknowledged the fierce competition expected at the tournament.

“I hope it will be Senegal, because I come from Senegal and my heart is with Senegal,” he said.

Beyond his home nation, Cissé identified four other strong favourites capable of lifting the trophy, including host nation Morocco, Algeria, record champions Egypt, and Nigeria, the runner-up at the last edition.

“Apart from Senegal, there are many teams capable of winning this AFCON. Morocco is also a contender, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria,” he stated.

Cissé highlighted the unpredictability surrounding the African football showpiece, noting that, unlike the FIFA World Cup, AFCON remains notoriously difficult to forecast.

“In the Africa Cup of Nations, you can’t predict exactly who will win. In the World Cup, you can make predictions. But the Africa Cup of Nations is very complicated. There will always be surprises,” the former Senegal international said.