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Tag: Peter Fregene

  • Tributes as Peter Fregene bows out

    Tributes as Peter Fregene bows out

    By  Segun Adenuga

    The remains of Peter Ikoyima Fregene would be committed to mother earth in Sapele, Delta State today.  Unarguably one of the best goalkeepers in Nigeria football history, Fregene came into limelight in the mid-60s as a young goalkeeper with the Mid-West team that took part in the Bank-Anthony Inter-Regional Competition in Lagos, where he was snatched by Leventis “Iddo Tigers” a middle of the table league side in Lagos in 1966.

    Fregene joined Stationery Stores and became very popular with the supporters of Adebajo Babes as he challenged the number one goal-keeper Abu Maleya, who was discovered from Sapele-based Amukpe All Stars during their sensational exploits in the 1962 F. A. Cup Semi-finals match against POLICE FC of Lagos. 

    Nick-named ‘APO’by Stores’ supporters, Fregene was picked ahead of Nigeria’s agile goalkeeper, Inua Lawal Rigogo for the 1968 Olympic Games by the Team Manager of Green Eagles, Veteran Sports Journalist, Peter Chukwuma Osugo, popularly known as “PECOS” on his weekly Sport Column with the Daily Times, who also picked an unfamiliar name, Yakubu Bauchi as reserved goalkeeper in the 18-man squad for Olympic soccer gold medal bid.

    But Nigeria could not achieved the target after failing to secure a win in her three matches against Japan, Spain and Brazil, who forced the Green Eagles to a dramatic 3-3 draw.

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    A reliable last man of the defence for Stationery Stores and the  Green Eagles, Peter Fregene with a career spanning almost two decades, was injured once and had to be replaced by his reserve goalkeeper Yusuf Sule in a 3-3 draw against Sudan in a thrilling World Cup qualifier played in Khartoum on 2nd October 1969. 

    With a record of over 20 matches already played for Nigeria in friendly and competitive games, Fregene was recalled back to duty in 1982, where Nigeria failed to progress to the finals of the African Nations Cup in Libya.

    As I end this tribute on my “PETER THE GREAT”.  Let me seized the opportunity, through his medium to commiserate with the Lady, who had done so well to keep her husband alive – Mrs. Tina Fregene, Fregene’s bosom friends and team mates in the national team that are still alive – Emmanuel Tetteh Okoronkwo, Tony Igwe, Kenneth Olayombo, Sunny Ine, Durojaiye Adegun, Muyiwa Oshode and Ganiyu Salami, who recently clocked 85.  I cannot thank you enough Mathematical or should I say Grammatical, Chief Patrick Olusegun Odegbami (MON), for your untiring efforts in search of succour for the departed Peter Ikoyima Fregene.

    May God bless you all.  Farewell , Peter the great!

    *Adenuga, foremost sports  journalist writes from Lagos.

  • Ex-Eagle Paul Okoku: Late Peter Fregene deserves National Honour

    Ex-Eagle Paul Okoku: Late Peter Fregene deserves National Honour

    Former U21 Flying Eagles Vice captain Paul Okoku has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Fregene did not die in vain by giving him a heroes burial and a national honour.

    The 1984 AFCON silver medalist, who resides in the U.S.A said honouring Fregene in death is the right thing to do and would bring smiles to the lips Nigerian sportsmen and women.

    In an open letter made available to The Nation, Okoku said: “I write this letter with the utmost respect and a deep sense of urgency to bring to your attention a matter of national importance—honoring the late Peter Fregene, an extraordinary goalkeeper who served Nigeria with unwavering dedication over three remarkable decades, in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. His legacy, both on and off the field, is one that has shaped the history of Nigerian football, and it is only fitting that his sacrifices and contributions be recognized posthumously with a national honor, either the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) or the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), and that he be given a befitting burial as a true national hero.

    “Fregene’s remarkable career is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and love for his country. Spanning three decades, he became an iconic figure in Nigerian football, unmatched in his longevity and commitment. As a goalkeeper, Fregene was Nigeria’s stalwart, safeguarding the nation’s pride in critical matches.

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    “As an Olympian, his contributions extended beyond domestic competitions as he proudly represented Nigeria at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, showcasing his immense talent on an international platform. His legacy is one of perseverance and unwavering patriotism, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s sporting history.”

    However, despite his contributions, he noted that when Fregene needed Nigeria the most, he was abandoned.

    “His final years were marked by illness and neglect, a heartbreaking end to a life that had once been filled with glory and service to his country. The images of him at the tail end of his life, battling illness with little support, are a stark reminder of how we, as a nation, have at times failed our heroes. It is a sight too painful to bear, and one that should incite a collective call to action for justice and dignity.

    “Fregene gave everything to this country, and in his passing, we have the opportunity to ensure that his sacrifices are not in vain. The Nigerian national creed reminds us that “the labor of our heroes past shall never be in vain,” yet here we stand at a crossroads where we must decide whether those words are merely symbolic or if they truly carry the weight of our commitment to our past heroes.

    “The time has come to live by the true meaning of our creed. Let us not let the life and death of Peter Fregene fade into obscurity. Let us not allow his family to continue bearing the burden of our collective neglect. This is a call to do the right thing—honor Peter Fregene with a national recognition, either MON or MFR, for his decades of service, and provide him with the dignified burial that befits a national hero. Let his family know that his sacrifices were not forgotten, and that the country he served so honorably still recognizes his contributions, even in his death,” Okoku added.

  • Peter Fregene (1947 – 2024)

    Peter Fregene (1947 – 2024)

    •His death, after a protracted illness, tells us the country should do more for its heroes, to encourage others

    It was yet another touching tale of how one of Nigeria’s sporting heroes died waiting for help to overcome ill health. Peter Fregene’s last days were captured by ex-football star and columnist Segun Odegbami, who drew attention to his plight in a statement, saying he was “lying comatose on a hospital bed in Sapele.”  At the time, he was said to be “waiting for help to come in order to be moved by ambulance to the Ohara Teaching Hospital, Ohara, Delta State.”

    It was a striking public appeal for help on behalf of Fregene, who was said to be hospitalised at Obule Medical Centre in Sapele, Delta State. A concerned friend of Odegbami, according to him, paid for the cost of the ambulance that would convey the sick man to Ohara.  But he still had other bills to pay before he could be moved. It was a gloomy picture. 

    In another statement some days later, Odegbami announced that the “former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who has been on life-support for the past one week,” had died. He died on October 13, aged 77. He hailed from Sapele, in present-day Delta State.

    Known as ‘The Flying Cat’ because of his superb goalkeeping skills, he kept goal for Nigeria’s national football team across three decades, from the 1960s. As the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team from 1968 to 1971, he enjoyed immense popularity among football fans in the country. He was in the squad that represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, the first time the country qualified for the football event of the Olympics. The team spectacularly played a 3-3 draw with the great Brazil. It was a testimony to his distinction that he was recalled to the national team for the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations in Libya.

    Interestingly, at different times he kept goal for two top Lagos football clubs well known for their rivalry, ECN and Stationery Stores, an indication that he was a goalkeeper very much in demand. He won the Nigerian FA Cup with both clubs.

    The circumstances of his death yet again highlighted the need for a scheme to deal with healthcare issues concerning the country’s athletes and sporting heroes, especially those who are retired and unable to help themselves. “The danger now is that the number of retired aging sports heroes languishing in poverty, neglect and ill health is legion already, and growing. Their stories are ugly and shameful,” Odegbami observed.

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    Several times in the past, empathetic and benevolent Nigerians, who should be commended, have had to come to the rescue of some of the country’s sports heroes who were struggling with serious health challenges. These include Femi Otedola, Mike Adenuga, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Babatunde Fashola, Benson Ejindu, and Allen Onyema. Indeed, Globacom, the telecoms company owned by Adenuga, was reported to have taken care of Fregene’s “every need” in the past one year before his death.

    In a tribute, former national team player and goalkeeper trainer Amusa Adisa said Fregene, “alongside some other illustrious players… formed the core of Nigerian legends in football.” He added: “The country should do more for its heroes. Only then can more people be willing to make sacrifices for Nigeria.” That is one side of the coin.

    Notably, Odegbami presented the other side of the coin, suggesting that the country’s sports personalities should consider the option of self-help. He said: “Why don’t we have, or why can’t we set up, even on our own, a simple welfare scheme for active and retired athletes across all sports in the country, to take care of our declining health in old age, long after our sports careers?  What are needed are the will, hard work and a few good and committed people of integrity.”

    Ultimately, Fregene’s death demands that the perennial welfare issue in Nigerian sports should be tackled without further delay. He will be remembered as a Nigerian football great.

  • Tributes  as legendary goalkeeper  Fregene dies at 77

    Tributes  as legendary goalkeeper  Fregene dies at 77

    Tributes have poured in for  late  national team goalkeeper,  Peter Fregene  who died  aged 77  after a protracted illness  almost   at midnight on Sunday .

    Fondly called Apo and regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, Fregene had  been critically ill and was reportedly  life support over the last few days, died in the presence of his two children and devoted wife, Tina at Oghara Teaching Hospital  in Delta State.

    His  passage was  announced by his former teammate , Mathematical Segun Odegbami who has been rallying kind hearted Nigerians  for financial assistance for the deceased.

     “And the Man died, “ he wrote in a viral post.

    “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 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’.

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    Rest my friend, rest in peace, finally! “ Odegbami added.

    Fregene  who was Nigeria’  first choice goalkeeper between 1968 to 1971 and also represented the country at the 1982AFCON and 1968 Olympics , has been described as one  of the best goalkeepers  ever produced  by Nigeria.

    “I think Apo  has finally gone to rest,”  veteran journalist, Pa Segun Adenuga  told NationSport. “Unarguably,  he was one of  Nigeria’s  greatest goalkeeper in history and he was in goal for almost two decades  for the national team.

    “ He was in goal when we played 3-3 draw with Brazil at the 1968 Olympics and he was rated as the fourth best  goalkeeper  in the whole world  and was described as the man with the magic hand.”

    Nigerian Olympian hurdler Godwin Obasogie , described Fregene as a  national hero.

    “A great hero of our time,” Obasogie  told NationSport from his base in the USA.

      “My sincere condolences to the family. May God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss. Nigeria lost a great Sports Legend. Rest in Peace Great Olympian. Good night.”

    Born  14th May 1949  in Sapele, Fregene  star for Lagos rivals Electric Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) and Stationery Stores  during a career that spanned the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He won the Nigerian FA Cup with both ECN and Stationery Stores.

    He also

    He   represented Nigeria at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City as well as the 1982 African Cup of Nations finals in Libya

  • Nine things to know about ex-Green Eagles goalkeeper Peter Fregene

    Nine things to know about ex-Green Eagles goalkeeper Peter Fregene

    Former Nigeria International goalkeeper Peter Fregene died on Sunday, October 13.

    Erstwhile Green Eagles winger, Mathematical Segun Odegbami, who has been rallying kind-hearted Nigerians for financial assistance for the deceased over the last few days, announced the death of his former national teammate.

    Odegbami said the Nigerian football legend died after a protected illness at a hospital in Oghara, Delta State.

    Here are things to know about ex-Green Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Fregene:

    1. He was born in Sapele, Delta State

    2. He was 77.

    3. Fregene was fondly called Apo by teammates and was popularly called The Flying Cat by Nigerians

    4. Fregene played club football for Lagos rivals ECN and Stationery Stores F.C. during a career that spanned the 1960s, 1970s, and ECN later known as NEPA, Lagos between 1978 and 1982.

    Read Also: Ex-Green Eagles Fregene dies at 77

    5. Fregene was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Nigeria national football team from 1968 to 1971, before being recalled for the 1982 African Cup of Nations finals.

    6. He was recalled to the National team for the 1982 Nations Cup in Libya.

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

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

    9. He is survived by his wife, Tina, and two children.

  • Ex-Green Eagles Fregene dies at 77

    Ex-Green Eagles Fregene dies at 77

    Former Nigeria  International goalkeeper Peter Fregene has died, at 77.

    Fondly called Apo by teammates and admirers, Fregene who has been critically ill and on life support over the last few days at a hospital in Oghara , Delta State, reportedly died in the presence of his two children and devoted wife, Tina.

     Erstwhile Green Eagles winger, Mathematical Segun Odegbami, who has been rallying kind hearted Nigerians  for financial assistance for the deceased over the last few days , announced the death of his former national teammate almost at midnight on Sunday.

    “And the Man died, “ he wrote in a viral post.

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    “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 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! “ Odegbami added.

    Fregene was Nigeria’a  first choice goalkeeper between 1968 to 1971, before being recalled for the 1982 African Cup of Nations finals in Libya.

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

    Born  14th May 1949  in Sapele, Fregene played for Lagos rivals Electric Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) and Stationery Stores  during a career that spanned the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He won the Nigerian FA Cup with both ECN and Stationery Stores.

  • Critically ill Ex-Green Eagles goalie Fregene ‘fights for life’

    Critically ill Ex-Green Eagles goalie Fregene ‘fights for life’

    Former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Fregene is  still in dire straits as he continues to ‘fight for his life’  at the Oghara Teaching Hospital in Delta State. 

    Fregene is reportedly  on life support and presently unconscious though alive but the resident doctor that spoke with former Green Eagles winger, Segun Odegbami, confirmed that  the condition of the former goaltender fondly called Apo, has deteriorated despite spending four days at the Obule Medical Centre in Sapele.

    The 77-year-old has been moved to the Oghara Teaching Hospital where he is expected to be evaluated and ascertain the cause of the relapse.

    “I cannot post any more pictures of Peter. Last night, I spoke with the doctor on duty at the Obule Medical Centre, Sapele, where Peter is on life-support, connected to an oxygen cylinder. He is unconscious but alive and breathing,”  a crestfallen Odegbami said in a widely circulated message on social media

    “At the hospital, he is fed and medicated intravenously, and, according to the doctor, his situation is very bad. In short, it is now ‘touch and go’. 

    “I also spoke with Tina, his dutiful wife, that angel from heaven that has been taking care of Peter through all the decades of his medical travails and trials. 

    “The doctor tells me that the hospital is doing its best for Peter Fregene, but that his condition has not improved much since he was brought in 4 days ago, and that’s why the hospital has had to refer him to a bigger and more equipped medical facility, the Teaching Hospital in Oghara. He is to be moved there immediately for further evaluation of what more can be done for him. 

    The doctor said: “I am not God, I can’t say more than that. We are doing our best for him here. He is still alive and breathing.”

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    “So, Tina says that the family will move him by ambulance this morning to Oghara. She is holding out courageously, still strong in her faith that he will eventually be okay despite the gloomy prognosis. 

    Fregene’s wife, Tina confirmed that she had received calls from Federal Ministry of Sports Development in Abuja, Delta State Ministry of Sports among others with a firm promise that they would call back. 

    “She says that she has received calls from the Fed. Ministry of Sports Development in Abuja, as well as the Delta State Ministry of Sports inquiring about Peter’s condition and promising to get back to her as soon as possible.

    A friend to all footballers, Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaye of the Ekiti diocese of the Catholic Church, prayed for Peter Fregene last night when we spoke. His simple prayer sums up everything for me: ‘May the Will of our Father in heaven be done’.”

    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.

  • World-class doctor operates Fregene in major surgeries

    FORMER Green Eagles’ goalkeeper, Peter Fregene is recuperating at the Intensive Care Unit of the Reddington Hospital after undergoing two major successful surgeries.

    About three months ago, Tina, wife of the former goalkeeper who won the Nigeria FA Cup with both ECN and Stationery Stores, cried out for a lifeline for her ailing husband.

    Contrary to the widely held opinion that the former shot-stopper suffered from stroke, his wife said it was discovered that he had paralysis as a result of a spinal cord injury.

    Fregene had battled this ailment for 18 years before billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola came to his rescue and offered to pick up his medical bills after Tina’s passionate appeal to Nigerians to save the life of her husband.

    Last Wednesday, two major operations were performed on Fregene at the Reddington Hospital Victoria Island Lagos by one of the Best Neurosurgeons in the World, the United States-based Dr Olawale Sulaiman.

    Otedola flew in Dr Sulaiman into the country from the United States, to perform the surgery on Fregene who had been bedridden for three years.

    Before Otedola’s lifeline, the 71-year-old former Nigeria International moved only on his buttocks or was supported to move around his house, a routine which drained his energy and that of his ageing wife.

    Former Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola took Reneger to Lagos where he had an operation some years ago but further treatment was discontinued due to lack of funds.

    Similarly, the former Delta state governor, James Ibori, also funded his treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) during his tenure. Apart from these, no further help came the way of the septuagenarian former footballer.

    The Delta state-born footballer was a member of the Nigerian team that participated at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City and two years after Fregene broke into the Green Eagles squad.