Former Nigeria nationwide crew goalkeeper Peter “Apo” Fregene has sadly handed away after a chronic battle with well being points.
He was 77 years previous.
Fregene, a 1968 Olympian, died peacefully within the presence of his spouse, Tina, and two kids.
Segun Odegbami, a famend sports activities journalist and former Nigerian worldwide, confirmed the event.
Odegbami, a former nationwide crew captain, expressed gratitude to the quite a few people who supported Fregene’s remedy till his eventual dying.
“On behalf of all generations of Nigerian footballers, Olympians, sports activities individuals, his household, pals, followers and some unimaginable Nigerians that quietly rallied spherical and, with their assist, prayers and the need of the Creator of the Universe, stored him alive till this evening, I say an enormous ‘thanks’,” Odegbami wrote on his Fb Web page.
Fregene’s well being struggles had sparked widespread concern, prompting an outpouring of assist from the sports activities group.
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Frantic effort to save lots of Fregene
PREMIUM TIMES reported how three beneficiant Nigerians volunteered to assist his remedy at Obule Medical Centre in Sapele, Delta State.
This was on the heels of Odegbami’s preliminary enchantment for help, sharing a distressing photograph highlighting Fregene’s dire state of affairs.
He famous that repeated appeals to well-known philanthropists had yielded assist up to now however expressed concern that these people could also be exhausted from regularly supporting Nigerian sports activities heroes in want.
The sports activities group’s response introduced consolation to Fregene’s household, with Odegbami thanking Nigerians for his or her response to the “humble cry of their hero presently in misery.”
ALSO READ: Three Nigerians provide lifeline to ailing soccer legend Peter Fregene
Nonetheless, he additionally lamented the federal government’s neglect of sports activities, leaving veterans like Fregene weak.
Odegbami posed a poignant query: “Why can’t we arrange a easy welfare scheme for lively and retired athletes to deal with our declining well being in previous age?”
This highlights the necessity for systemic assist for Nigeria’s sports activities heroes.
Because the soccer group mourns Fregene’s passing, his legacy as a devoted athlete and Nigerian icon can be remembered.
Mr Odegbami’s ultimate phrases to Fregene reads:
“Good evening ‘Apo’.
“Relaxation, my pal, relaxation in peace, lastly!”
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