Peter Fregene, the ex-goalkeeper for Nigeria's Green Eagles, has passed away.
Segun Odegbami, a close friend and former international player, shared the news in a touching Facebook post on Sunday night.
Odegbami revealed that Fregene died surrounded by his wife, Tina, and two of their children after battling a long illness.
The 72-year-old former striker, who had recently sought financial help for the 77-year-old Fregene, expressed gratitude to those who supported him during his time of need.
“And the Man died. 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 wrote.
“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’.