Former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Fregene is dead

Former Green Eagles goalkeeper Peter Fregene has passed away. The sad news was confirmed by his close friend and fellow ex-international, Segun Odegbami, on Sunday.

Odegbami shared that Fregene died following a long illness, with his wife Tina and two of their children by his side.

It is worth noting that some time ago, Vanguard reported Odegbami’s appeal for financial aid to support Fregene’s medical treatment.

In a statement made on Tuesday, Odegbami revealed that Fregene had been hospitalised in Sapele, Delta State, and was in urgent need of both medical attention and financial support.

He said although “Tony Ojesina covered the ambulance costs, more funds need to be paid before he can be moved” to the teaching hospital.

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

Giving an update on Sunday, Odegbami wrote: “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 doorball team in the 1960s and 70s.