Former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Fregene, has passed away.
The news of Fregene’s death was confirmed by ex-international and close friend Segun Odegbami on Sunday. Odegbami revealed that the Nigerian football legend died after a prolonged illness, surrounded by his wife, Tina, and two of his children.
“Just moments ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who had been on life support for the past week, passed away peacefully in the presence of two of his children and his dedicated wife, Tina,” Odegbami shared.
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 lightning reflexes and tenacity as a goalkeeper. His exceptional performance earned him the nickname ‘Apo,’ highlighting his agility.
In his message, Odegbami expressed gratitude to all who supported the football icon during his illness, saying, “On behalf of generations of Nigerian footballers, Olympians, sports figures, his family, friends, fans, and the few remarkable Nigerians who quietly rallied around him with their support, prayers, and the will of the Creator, I say a heartfelt ‘thank you.’”