Nigerian football legend, Peter Fregene, who served as the primary goalkeeper for the Nigeria national football team from 1968 to 1971, is currently battling serious health issues and needs urgent financial assistance. Fregene, who also represented Nigeria in the 1982 African Cup of Nations and the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, is hospitalized in Sapele, Delta State.
Segun Odegbami, another Nigerian football icon, has made a heartfelt appeal for financial support to help Fregene receive the necessary medical care. Odegbami expressed his frustration over the lack of a functional welfare scheme for retired athletes in Nigeria, highlighting the repeated need to appeal to the public and a few generous individuals for help.
Fregene is currently waiting to be moved by ambulance to the Ohara Teaching Hospital, but more funds are needed to cover the medical expenses. Tony Ojesina has already covered the ambulance costs, but additional funds are required before Fregene can be transferred.
Odegbami also called out for the establishment of a welfare scheme for active and retired athletes across all sports in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for such a system to prevent other sports heroes from suffering similar fates.
The situation has sparked widespread concern and an outpouring of support, with hopes that companies like Globacom, which have supported Fregene in the past, will once again come to his aid.
