Former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Fregene, has passed away.
This news of his death was announced by his friend and fellow ex-international Segun Odegbami on Sunday.
Fregene’s death followed a prolonged illness and occurred in the presence of his devoted wife, Tina, and two of their children.
Earlier, Odegbami had reached out to the public for financial support to aid Fregene, who had been hospitalized in Sapele, Delta State.
In a heartfelt statement, he highlighted the urgent need for medical assistance, revealing that while Tony Ojesina had covered the costs of an ambulance, additional funds were required for Fregene’s transfer to a teaching hospital.
Odegbami lamented the absence of a robust welfare scheme for retired athletes in Nigeria, emphasizing the struggles many face after their sporting careers end.
On Sunday, Odegbami provided an update, stating, “A few minutes ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who has been on life support for the past week, passed on to meet his creator. He died quietly in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina.”
He expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire Nigerian sports community, saying, “On behalf of all generations of Nigerian footballers, Olympians, sports persons, his family, friends, fans, and a few incredible Nigerians that quietly rallied round and, with their support, prayers and the will of the creator of the Universe, kept him alive until this night, I say a big ‘thank you.’”
Fregene was not only known for his contributions to football but also represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.
His remarkable reflexes and agility earned him nicknames such as ‘Apo’ and ‘Flying Cat’ during his illustrious career.
His passing is a significant loss to Nigerian football and the sports community at large.
