Legendary Green Eagles Goalkeeper, Peter Fregene, dies at 77

Peter Fregene, the former Green Eagles goalkeeper, has passed away at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by his friend and fellow ex-international, Segun Odegbami, on Sunday.

Odegbami shared that Fregene, who had been battling a prolonged illness, died peacefully with his wife, Tina, and two of his children by his side.

“Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, passed away a few minutes ago after being on life support for the past week,” Odegbami wrote. “He died quietly in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina.”

Fregene, who was a standout for Nigeria’s national team in the 1960s and 70s and represented the country at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, was renowned for his quick reflexes and agility, earning him the nickname ‘Apo.’

Odegbami also expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported Fregene during his illness. “On behalf of all generations of Nigerian footballers, Olympians, sports enthusiasts, his family, friends, fans, and the incredible Nigerians who rallied around him with their prayers and support, I say a heartfelt ‘thank you’,” Odegbami said.