Peter Fregene: Paralysed since 2001, 15 other facts about the former goalie

• Peter Fregene represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics, playing all three games but conceding nine goals
• Fregene earned 14 caps for the Nigerian national team, playing from 1966 to 1983
• The former shot-stopper has been suffering from health issues since 2001, battling a spinal cord disorder caused by a stroke.

News recently broke about the ailing health of Nigerian goalkeeping Peter Fregene, a legendary former Nigerian goalkeeper, who holds a remarkable place in the nation’s football history, with Nigerian sports icon Segun Odegbami calling for assistance for the former goalkeeper.

This has again put the retired goalkeeper in national spotlight as many are oblivious of his contributions to Nigeria's footballing history, Peter Fegene also known as the “Flying Cat,” played for two prominent Lagos-based clubs, Stationery Stores FC and ECN, and was Nigeria’s number-one goalkeeper during the late 1960s. 

He represented the country at the 1968 Olympics and the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations, showcasing his skills on the international stage. However, despite his footballing accolades, Fregene has faced significant health struggles since 2001. 

This listicle points out key facts about his career and the challenges he has battled in his later years.

15 facts to know about goalkeeper Peter Fregene

TheRadar has compiled below facts about Nigeria’s former shot-stopper Peter Fregene:

1. Clubs played for: Peter Fregene played for two Lagos-based football clubs; Stationery Stores FC and ECN FC (Electricity Corporation of Nigeria).

2. Birthplace: He was born in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria on May 17, 1947.

3. FA Cup trophies: Fregene won the FA Cup (now known as the Federation Cup) with both Stationery Stores FC and ECN, despite the two clubs being rivals.

4. Federation Cup player: He was one of the foremost players in the Federation Cup, formerly known as the Challenge Cup.

5. Honoured by the Lagos State government: In 2014, Peter Fregene was one of 13 former Federation Cup players honoured by the Lagos State government.

6. Green Eagles representation: He represented Nigeria’s national football team, the Green Eagles (now the Super Eagles), during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

7. Long-serving player: Fregene is one of Nigeria’s longest-serving football players, having played for the national team between 1966 and 1983.

8. Nickname: also known as the “Flying Cat”, Fregene was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper between 1968 and 1971.

9. Olympic participation: He represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics, playing in all three of Nigeria’s games.

10. 1968 Olympic Games: Although Fregene played in Nigeria's three games at the 1968 Olympics, he conceded a disappointing nine goals, and Nigeria earned only one point with a 3-3 draw against Brazil.

11. World Cup qualifiers: He kept one clean sheet in eight matches during Nigeria's 1968-1969 World Cup qualifying campaign.

12. 1982 AFCON: After losing his starting spot in 1971, Fregene made a comeback in goal during the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria won one match and lost two.

13. Caps for Nigeria: Peter Fregene earned a total of 14 caps for the Nigerian national team.

14. Health issues: Fregene has been battling health problems since 2001 due to a spinal cord disorder caused by a stroke. His condition was operated on in 2009.

15. Support from Segun Odegbami: Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami was the first to show concern for Fregene’s condition, linking his family to Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who sent doctors to examine him and later operated on him in 2009.

“A lot more coming,” Super Eagles legend Musa boasts of scoring prowess

Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles legend Ahmed Musa made a sensational return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as he guided Kano Pillars to a 2-0 victory over Sunshine Stars on matchday five. 

The veteran forward, back for his third stint with the Sai Masu Gida side, showed his brilliance by netting both goals in front of an excited home crowd. Musa’s early opener set the tone, and he doubled the lead shortly after the break to secure the team’s first win in four league outings.