The former captain of the national team, Mr. Odegbami, thanked everyone who helped fund the former goalie’s care till his passing.
After a protracted fight with health concerns, Peter “Apo” Fregene, the former goalie for the Nigerian national team, regrettably passed away.
He was seventy-seven.
The 1968 Olympian Fregene passed away quietly in front of his wife Tina and two kids.
The development was confirmed by prominent sports journalist and former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami.
A previous captain of the national team, Odegbami, thanked the many people who helped with Fregene’s care till his passing.
Odegbami wrote on his Facebook page, “I say a big ‘thank you’ on behalf of all generations of Nigerian football players, Olympians, sportspeople, his family, friends, fans, and a few incredible Nigerians who quietly rallied round and, with their support, prayers, and the will of the Creator of the Universe, kept him alive until this night.”
Numerous people were alarmed by Fregene’s health issues, which led to a wave of support from the sports community.
A desperate attempt to save Fregene
According to PREMIUM TIMES, three kind Nigerians offered to pay for his care at the Obule Medical Center in Sapele, Delta State.
This followed Odegbami’s first plea for help, in which he posted a heartbreaking image of Fregene’s terrible circumstances.
He acknowledged that contacting well-known donors on a regular basis has previously resulted in support, but he was worried that these people might be worn out from helping Nigerian athletes in need.
Odegbami thanked Nigerians for their response to the “humble cry of their hero currently in distress,” saying that the sports community’s response provided consolation to Fregene’s family.
But he also bemoaned the government’s disregard for sports, which leaves veterans like Fregene at risk.
“Why can’t we set up a simple welfare scheme for active and retired athletes to take care of our declining health in old age?” was the sad point that Odegbami raised.
This emphasizes how Nigeria’s sports champions require systemic backing.
Fregene’s impact as a devoted athlete and Nigerian hero will live on as the football community grieves his demise.
“Good night, Apo,” is what Mr. Odegbami said to Fregene in his parting words.
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