Former Nigerian national team goalkeeper Peter Fregene has passed away, according to close friend and fellow Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami.
The ex-international who was referred to as “The Flying Cat” in his playing days died aged 77 after a week on life support.
Odegbami announced his death in a heartfelt statement Sunday evening.
“And the Man died. 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,” Odegbami wrote.
“He died quietly in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina.”
Odegbami expressed gratitude to those who supported the former goalkeeper during his trying times.
He said, “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’.”
Odegbami had first brought Fregene’s latest plight to the public last week Tuesday after he was admitted into an hospital in Sapele, Delta State, needing medical attention and financial assistance.
“He is still waiting for help to come in order to be moved by ambulance to the Ohara Teaching Hospital, Ohara, Delta State,” Odegbami said.
Giving further a day later, Odegbami said the ex-international was in coma and needed prayers of Nigerians.
“Peter Fregene is in the hospital and on life support. His situation is critical,” Odegbami revealed in a statement.
“What Peter Fregene needs the most now are our collective prayers that the will of His Creator be done!”
Fregene played for the national team from 1968 – when he was part of the Mexico 1968 Olympics team to 1971 before being recalled for the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations in Libya.
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