Former Green Eagles Goalie Peter Fregene Passes Away at Age 79.

Peter Fregene, the esteemed former goalkeeper of the Green Eagles, affectionately referred to as the “Flying Cat” due to his remarkable agility and tenacity on the pitch, has sadly passed away. The news of his demise was confirmed on Sunday by his close friend and fellow former international, Segun Odegbami. Fregene succumbed to a prolonged illness, surrounded by his wife, Tina, and two of his children. He was 79 years old. A prominent figure in Nigerian football, Fregene represented the nation at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and played a vital role in the national team throughout the 1960s and 70s. His exceptional reflexes and authoritative presence on the field earned him nicknames such as ‘Apo’ and ‘Flying Cat,’ solidifying his legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers. In a statement released on Sunday, Odegbami remarked, “Just moments ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who had been on life support for the past week, has passed on to meet his maker. “He departed quietly in the company of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina.” “On behalf of all generations of Nigerian footballers, Olympians, sports figures, his family, friends, fans, and the remarkable Nigerians who supported him with their prayers and unwavering will, I extend a heartfelt ‘thank you,’” Odegbami concluded.