Former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Peter ‘Flying Cat’ Fregene is dead

Peter Fregene, a former member of Nigeria’s national football team, the Green Eagles, has sadly passed away. The news was confirmed by his friend and fellow football legend, Segun Odegbami, on Sunday.

Fregene, known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and nicknames like “Apo” and “Flying Cat,” succumbed to a prolonged illness surrounded by his family. His passing comes just weeks after Odegbami had publicly appealed for financial assistance to cover Fregene’s medical expenses.

Odegbami had revealed that Fregene was hospitalized in Sapele, Delta State, and required urgent medical attention. Despite efforts to raise funds, more support was needed to transfer him to a teaching hospital. The incident highlighted the unfortunate lack of a functional welfare scheme for retired athletes in Nigeria.

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’s career spanned decades, including a notable appearance at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico. His contributions to Nigerian football will be remembered fondly by fans and fellow athletes alike.