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Ex-Nigeria National Team Goalkeeper Dies
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The news of Peter Fregene’s death was announced by his close friend and former teammate, Segun Odegbami, on Sunday.Odegbami shared that Fregene passed away peacefully after a long battle with illness, with his wife, Tina, and two of his children by his side.continue Reading>>>...CONTINUE READING>>>
The legendary goalkeeper, who had been on life support for the past week, finally succumbed to his health struggles, marking the end of an era in Nigerian football.Earlier this year, Odegbami had publicly sought financial help for Fregene’s medical treatment.
In a statement released in March, he revealed that Fregene had been hospitalized in Sapele, Delta State, and was in urgent need of medical care.Although some assistance was provided, including an ambulance donated by Tony Ojesina, more funds were required for further treatment at a teaching hospital.
Odegbami also used the moment to highlight the lack of a proper welfare system for retired athletes in Nigeria, pointing out the difficult situations many face in their later years.
In his Sunday update, Odegbami expressed his sorrow, stating, “A few minutes ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who had been on life support for the past week, passed away in the presence of his two children and his devoted wife, Tina.”Fregene’s legacy lives on, particularly his remarkable performances for Nigeria’s national team in the 1960s and 70s, including his participation in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.continue Reading>>>
Famed for his lightning-quick reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, Fregene earned the nicknames ‘Apo’ and ‘Flying Cat,’ a tribute to his agility and skill as a goalkeeper.
Tributes have since poured in from the sports community, honoring his contributions to Nigerian football and the lasting impact he had on future generations.
