By Perewarii Precious
Nigerian football legend Peter Fregene has been placed on life support following years of serious health complications. The late goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, the first choice for Nigeria from 1968 to 1971, is receiving critical care in a Delta State hospital. News of his dire state has drawn attention across the football community, with calls for urgent support for the ailing 77-year-old veteran.
Fregene has been battling this health issue for years, but recent events have placed him in a rather precarious position. One of the retired football stars of Nigeria and one of the influential voices in the country’s sports community, Segun Odegbami, alerted the public to the situation of Fregene. “Peter Fregene is in hospital and on life support,” Odegbami said of the former goalkeeper, who he described to be in a situation where he is fighting for his life.
Peter Fregene Ongoing Struggle with Health
Peter Fregene had been ill for some time, but was recently reported to have complications that further deteriorated his health. Born in 1947, Fregene was a household name in Nigerian football and won the FA Cup with Lagos clubs, first with ECN and later with Stationery Stores in the 1960s and 70s. He represented Nigeria in several international competitions including the AFCON. However, life after retirement has been quite cruel to Fregene, who, despite his feat in the football arena, has remained in financial and health crises.
Odegbami further revealed the fragile state of the ex-goalkeeper, appealing for prayers and financial assistance. Odegbami had made an impassioned remark, saying it is high time both moral and financial assistance became available to transfer the former goalkeeper to a more advanced medical facility. According to Odegbami, he is still awaiting help to come in for him to be moved by ambulance to the Ohara Teaching Hospital in Delta State. He was quick to clarify that he was not raising the funds himself but was open to doing so if such authority were to come from Fregene’s family.
Community and Public Response
In response to the alarming news, several football organizations and notable personalities have expressed their support for Peter Fregene. Messages of solidarity have flooded social media, with many calling for a collective effort to provide assistance to the former national hero. The football community, particularly within Nigeria, has a long history of rallying to support its own, and the call for help in Fregene’s case has not gone unnoticed.
It is a stark reminder of the ongoing conversation surrounding the welfare of retired athletes. While Fregene’s name remains etched in the memories of those who watched him in his prime, his current plight paints a sobering picture of the challenges faced by many athletes after their playing days are over. As Odegbami stated, “What Peter Fregene needs the most now are our collective prayers that the will of His Creator be done.”
At the time of this report, there has been no official update regarding Fregene’s potential transfer to the Ohara Teaching Hospital. However, efforts to secure the necessary funds and resources are ongoing. For now, all eyes are on the support that could potentially improve the legendary goalkeeper’s quality of care in this critical time.
This heart-wrenching situation has reignited conversations within Nigeria’s sports community about creating sustainable support systems for former athletes. Many are hoping that Fregene’s situation will serve as a catalyst for change, leading to better provisions for retired footballers and other sports personalities.
