Peter Fregene, the former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, has passed away after a prolonged illness. His death was announced by fellow ex-international Segun Odegbami on Sunday. Fregene died surrounded by his wife, Tina, and two of his children.
Odegbami had previously sought financial assistance for Fregene, who had been hospitalized in Sapele, Delta State, and was in urgent need of medical care. He noted that although “Tony Ojesina covered the ambulance costs, more funds needed to be paid before he could be moved” to a teaching hospital.
In his 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 week, passed on to meet his creator. He died quietly in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina.”
Odegbami expressed gratitude on behalf of all generations of Nigerian footballers and sports enthusiasts, thanking those who supported Fregene during his illness. He also lamented the lack of a functional welfare scheme for retired athletes in Nigeria.
Fregene’s contributions to Nigerian football will be remembered, and he is mourned by friends, family, and fans alike.