Ex-Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Fregene Dies At 77

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Fregene has passed on at the age of 77 after a protracted undisclosed sickness.

Fregene had been on a life support machine for over a week as doctors battled to keep him alive. He died on Sunday night in the presence of his wife, and children.

Former Super Eagles star, Segun Odegbami confirmed his death in a post on his social media account.

“A few minutes ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, a former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who has been on life support for the past week, passed on to meet his creator.

“He died quietly in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina,”

Odegbami thanked everyone who supported Fregene in the quest to keep him alive.

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.”

Fregene, who was popularly known as the Flying Cat represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and was active in the national football team in the 1960s and 70s.

He was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Nigeria national football team from 1968 to 1971.

He also represented Nigeria at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

Fregene played his club football for Lagos rivals ECN and Stationery Stores F.C. in the 70s.

He won the Nigerian FA Cup with both ECN and Stationery Stores.