The death of Peter Fregene, the former Green Eagles goalkeeper fondly known as the “Flying Cat” for his agility and resilience on the field was confirmed on Sunday by a close friend and fellow ex-international, Segun Odegbami.
Fregene died after a prolonged illness, surrounded by his wife, Tina, and two of his children. He was 79 years old.
A legend of Nigerian football, Fregene represented the country at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and was an integral part of the national team during the 1960s and 70s.
His sharp reflexes and commanding presence earned him nicknames like ‘Apo’ and ‘Flying Cat,’ cementing his place as one of the finest goalkeepers in Nigeria’s football history.
In a statement on Sunday, Odegbami said, “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,’” Odegbami added.