Ex-Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Fregene dies at 77 after protracted illness

Peter Fregene, the former Green Eagles of Nigeria goalkeeper, is dead.

Segun Odegbami, a close friend of Fregene and ex-international, broke the news in a heartfelt Facebook post on Sunday night.

Odegbami said the Nigerian football legend died in the presence of Tina, his wife, and two of his children after a protracted illness.

The 72-year-old former striker who recently solicited financial assistance for Fregene, 77, expressed gratitude to those who supported the ex-goalkeeper during his illness.

“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,” he wrote.

“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, 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’.

“Good night ‘Apo’. Rest my friend, rest in peace, finally!”

Popularly known as the ‘Flying Cat’ or ‘Apo’, Fregene was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Nigeria national football team from 1968 to 1971. He was then recalled for the 1982 African Cup of Nations finals. He also represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.

During a career spanning over two decades — from the 1960s to the 1980s — he won the Nigerian FA Cup with both ECN and Stationery Stores.

Stationery Stores Football Club also mourned Fregene, who was described as an “integral part of the team in the 1960s and 1970s”.

In a statement released on Monday, Adetilewa Adebajo, chairman of the club, offered condolences to Peter’s wife and children.

“Peter was an integral part of the legendary Stationery Stores team of the sixties and seventies that provided 10 players on a regular basis to the National Green Eagles Football team,” the statement reads in part.

“He was in the squad that represented Nigeria in the 1968 Olympics. A team that held the giants of Brazil and Pele to a 3-3 draw.

“Peter was undoubtedly the dominant goalkeeper in the country in the late 60s and 70s. His exploits are woven into Nigeria’s football folklore as his agility earned him the nickname the flying cat amongst others. His physical presence, superb abilities and showmanship, endeared him to millions on fans.

“On behalf of the family of the Late Israel Adebajo, Board, Management, Players, past and present especially our teaming supporters, we commiserate with the Family, Children and devoted wife Tina of our beloved player and goalkeeper.

“We pray the Almighty will give us all the strength and fortitude to overcome this sad loss. We take solace in the memory, legacy and joy this beautiful soul has given us with his exploits in the beautiful game.

“Thank you Champion. Rest in Peace.”