Former Green Eagles goalkeeper Peter Fregene has passed away, as announced by his close friend and ex-teammate, Segun Odegbami, on Sunday.
Fregene, who had been battling a prolonged illness, died in the presence of his wife, Tina, and two of his children.
Earlier, Odegbami had called for financial support for Fregene, revealing that the former football legend was hospitalized in Sapele, Delta State, and urgently needed medical assistance. Although Tony Ojesina covered the ambulance costs, more funds were needed to transfer Fregene to a teaching hospital for further treatment.
In his plea, Odegbami expressed concern over the absence of a proper welfare system for retired athletes in Nigeria.
On Sunday, Odegbami shared the sad update: “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.”
Fregene, known for his remarkable reflexes, represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and played for the national team throughout the 1960s and 70s. His agility on the field earned him nicknames like “Apo” and “Flying Cat.”
