A former goalkeeper of the Nigeria Green Eagles, Peter Fregene has died.
Peter Fregene’s demise was announced on Sunday by ex-international and close pal, Segun Odegbami.
According to Odegbami, the Nigerian football legend died after a prolonged illness, with his wife Tina and two of his children by his side.
“Just 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 on to meet his creator.
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“He passed peacefully in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina,” Odegbami wrote on Sunday.
Fregene, who represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and was a prominent figure in the national team throughout the 1960s and 70s, was celebrated for his remarkable reflexes and resilience as a goalkeeper, earning him the nickname ‘Apo,’ a testament to his agility.
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Odegbami also expressed gratitude to those who supported the football icon during his illness.
“On behalf of all generations of Nigerian footballers, Olympians, sportspeople, his family, friends, fans, and the incredible Nigerians who quietly rallied around with their support, prayers, and the will of the creator, I say a big ‘thank you,’” Odegbami stated.
Peter Fregene, born in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria, played for two football clubs during his career.
He represented the Green Eagles, now the Super Eagles, in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
Despite playing for just two professional clubs, Fregene remains one of Nigeria’s longest-serving players, playing for the three-time African champions between the 160s to 80s. Fregene was part of Nigeria’s squad between 1966 to 1983.
Known as the Flying Cat, Fregene was Nigeria’s number one shot-stopper between 1968-1971.
Overall, Fregene played 14 times for Nigeria.
