Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami has made a heartfelt appeal for financial assistance for former Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Fregene, who is currently hospitalized in Sapele, Delta State, and urgently requires medical attention.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Odegbami revealed that the 72-year-old Fregene is “waiting for help to be moved by ambulance” to Ohara Teaching Hospital. While Tony Ojesina has covered the costs for the ambulance, additional funds are necessary for his transfer.
Odegbami expressed frustration over the lack of a functional welfare scheme for retired athletes in Nigeria, stating, “I am publishing this ‘horror’ picture, wishing I could do what needs to be done for a colleague without having to resort to yet another public appeal.”
He lamented the repeated reliance on a small group of benefactors, including prominent Nigerians like Femi Otedola and Mike Adenuga, who have previously assisted retired athletes. Odegbami questioned why a sustainable welfare scheme for active and retired athletes has not been established, highlighting the growing number of retired sports heroes living in poverty and neglect.
“The danger now is that the number of retired ageing sports heroes languishing in poverty, neglect, and ill health is legion already, and growing. Their stories are ugly and shameful,” he stated.
Odegbami underscored the government’s long-standing disregard for sports, asserting that 64 years after independence, it remains a low priority. He called Peter Fregene’s situation a reminder of the urgent need for action to support retired athletes.
As of now, Fregene is still waiting for help to be moved to Ohara Teaching Hospital. Odegbami expressed hope that Globacom, which has supported Fregene’s needs over the past year, would respond once again. A friend, Tony Ojesina, has already contributed to the ambulance costs, but more funds are needed to cover other outstanding bills.
Fregene served as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Nigeria national football team from 1968 to 1971 and was recalled for the 1982 African Cup of Nations finals. He also represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.