Mr Peter Fregene, a former goalkeeper of Nigeria’s national team, the Green Eagles, is dead after about a week on life support at a hospital in Sapele, Delta State. He was aged 77.
His death was announced by Segun Odegbami, a former Green Eagles player in a statement on Sunday.
Fregene was a celebrated athlete. He represented Nigeria in the 1968 Olympics. His contributions to Nigerian football have left a lasting legacy in the sport.
The statement confirming his death reads, “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”.
Fregene’s health struggles had sparked widespread concern, prompting an outpouring of support from the sports community.
Recall that three generous Nigerians volunteered to support his treatment at Obule Medical Centre in Sapele, Delta State.
This was on the heels of Odegbami’s initial appeal for assistance, sharing a distressing photo highlighting Fregene’s dire situation.