Former Nigerian national team goalkeeper, Peter Fregene, is currently fighting for his life on life support at a hospital in Ohara, Delta State.
His condition has become critical, as revealed by Nigerian football icon Segun Odegbami, who shared the distressing news on Wednesday, urging for prayers and support for the ailing ex-international.”Peter Fregene is in the hospital and on life support.
His situation is critical,” Odegbami said in a statement. “What Peter needs most now are our collective prayers that the will of his Creator be done.
“Fregene, who guarded the Super Eagles’ goalposts between 1968 and 1971 and represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, has been battling health challenges for several years.
Earlier this week, Odegbami had raised the alarm over Fregene’s deteriorating health, explaining that the former goalkeeper was first hospitalized in Sapele and in urgent need of medical care and financial help.
“He is still awaiting assistance to be transferred by ambulance to the Ohara Teaching Hospital in Delta State,” Odegbami stated on Tuesday.
Following his plea, Odegbami reported an overwhelming response from Nigerians concerned about Fregene’s situation. Although he clarified that he is not directly involved in fundraising efforts, three individuals have stepped forward to assist with the football legend’s treatment.
“I am not raising or collecting funds on behalf of Peter’s family,” Odegbami emphasized.
“If the need arises and I am asked to help, I will.”Odegbami expressed his gratitude for the widespread support, adding, “I thank all Nigerians for their concern and response to the humble cry of their hero in distress.
“Fregene’s ordeal once again highlights the struggles many retired Nigerian athletes face, particularly in securing adequate medical care. Odegbami voiced his frustration at the absence of a sustainable welfare system for retired athletes in Nigeria, calling for action.
“Why don’t we have, or why can’t we create, even among ourselves, a simple welfare scheme for active and retired athletes across all sports in the country to take care of our health in old age, long after our playing careers have ended?” he asked.
As the football community rallies around Fregene in his time of need, attention is now focused on the necessary authorities and compassionate Nigerians to provide the needed support.
Fregene, who was also recalled to the national team for the 1982 African Cup of Nations, remains an esteemed figure in Nigeria’s football history.
His current situation is a stark reminder of the difficulties many retired athletes face in their later years.
