Nigerian football legend Peter Fregene passes away at 77, 1980 AFCON winner pays emotional tribute

Former Nigerian international goalkeeper Peter ‘Flying Cat' Fregene has died at the age of 77 after a long battle with health issues, Soccernet.ng reports.

Fregene, who represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife, Tina, and two of his children.

The sad news was confirmed by former Green Eagles captain and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner Segun Odegbami.

“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,” Odegbami shared on Sunday.

Fregene, known for his incredible agility and sharp reflexes during his playing career, earned the nickname “Apo” for his quick movements between the posts. He was a key figure in Nigerian football throughout the 1960s and 70s.

Fregene had been battling illness for years, prompting widespread concern within the sports community.

Three generous Nigerians supported his treatment at Obule Medical Centre in Delta State following an appeal made by Odegbami.

“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,’” Odegbami wrote in an emotional tribute.

Despite efforts to save him, Fregene's condition worsened, raising questions about the lack of systemic support for Nigeria’s sports veterans.

Odegbami expressed disappointment in the government's failure to establish a welfare scheme for retired athletes, noting that many sports heroes face neglect in their later years.

In a final heartfelt message, Odegbami said: “Good night, ‘Apo’. Rest, my friend, rest in peace, finally!”