Peter Fregene, former Green Eagles goalkeeper, dies

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Peter Fregene, a former goalkeeper of Nigeria’s national team, the Green Eagles, has passed on after about a week on life support at a hospital in Sapele, Delta State.

Former Green Eagles player, Segun Odegbami announced the death of Fregene who was given the nickname ‘Apo’ and Flying Cat because of his agility between the posts while he was active as a footballer in a statement on Sunday.

According to Odegbami, Fregene died after a protected illness in the presence of his wife, Tina, and two of his children.

“A few minutes ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who has been on life support for the past one week, passed on to meet his creator.

“He died quietly in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina.

“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’,” he added.

Fregene represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and was active in the national football team in the 1960s and 70s.

However, Odegbami, also an ex-International has been involved in rallying support for the late goal keeper since since he was hospitalised in Sapele, Delta state, for an undisclosed ailment last week.

In a statement last Tuesday, Odegbami noted that the former goalkeeper needed medical attention and financial assistance to take care of his fast declining health.

Odegbami had that one Tony Ojesina covered the ambulance costs to move him to the hospital.

He however, more funds need to be paid before Fregene can be moved to a teaching hospital.

He also lamented what he described as “the lack of a functional welfare scheme for retired athletes” in Nigeria.