Julius Okorie
Former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Fregene, has died after a protracted illness.
Former international Segun Odegbami who has been rallying support for ailing Fregene who has been on life support, made this known late Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement he titled ‘And the Man died’ 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 and sports persons, his family and 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. Good night ‘Apo’ Rest my friend, rest in peace, finally.”
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Recall that Odegbami on Tuesday disclosed that Fregene was hospitalised in Sapele, Delta State, and urgently needed medical attention and financial assistance.
He said although “Tony Ojesina covered the ambulance costs, more funds need to be paid before he can be moved” to the teaching hospital even as he decried “the lack of a functional welfare scheme for retired athletes” in Nigeria
Fregene represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and was active in the national team in the 1960s and 70s. Late Fregene was known for his incredible reflexes and resilience between the posts.
His agility and resilience earned him the nickname ‘Apo’ a reference to his agility in goal. He died at the age of 77.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
