Former Green Eagles star Segun Odegbami has issued an update on the burial plans for fellow Nigeria ex-international Peter Fregene.
Fregene, a legendary goalkeeper who featured for Nigeria at the Olympics and Africa Cup of Nations, died two weeks ago at the age of 77 after a protracted illness.
Odegbami, the star of the Green Eagles team that won Nigeria’s first AFCON title in Lagos in 1980, detailed the plans in an article he shared over the weekend.
The piece, titled ‘Peter Fregene – An update!’ is reproduced below…
On behalf of the family of Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, ‘the Flying Cat’, who passed on to meet his Creator after 77 years on earth, this is to thank all Nigerians for their support and expression of condolences.
The good news is that preparations for his funeral rites have started and have been low key, simple, dignified, and not a burden to the family. A few good Nigerians have responded and are rendering invaluable but silent support to ease the pressure on the family, and ensure that the football hero and Olympian gets a befitting burial.
These philanthropic Nigerians that want their identities kept from the media for now, have settled all Peter’s hospitalization fees and other expenses to date.
His remains have also been moved back to Sapele where he lived before he passed on.
The final funeral rites have been decided by the family. Last week, the first, Koromaju, held at his residence in Sapele.
Others are:
1. On Wednesday, November 27th: Service of Songs in Sapele,
2. On Friday, November 29th: Lying-in-State at the Sapele Township Stadium, to be followed by a football match to be organised by members of All Stars International Football Club. The body will then be conveyed to Abraka, his homestead, for interment on the same day.
3. On Saturday, 30th November 2024: Reception in Sapele.
More details of venues and times will be provided later by the family.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Football Association, the Delta State Government, any of the football clubs that he played for during his career, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, the National Sports Commission, NSC, the Nigerian Olympians Association, NOA, the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, All stars International Football Club (Delta State Chapter) and any others including family members, friends, fans, and individuals are being notified.
Those desirous of supporting the effort to give Peter Fregene a simple, decent and dignified burial, can do so by contacting his first child/daughter, Marian, on 0703 978 6310, or his Wife, Tina, on 0805 957 5815.
Larry Kubeinje (+234 813 662 5619), a member of the Sapele All Stars International Football Club, is to coordinate activities with the Delta State government and all other sports stakeholders.
This is all to make for proper coordination.
Meanwhile, anyone desirous of supporting the family financially or in any other way can do so by calling on either Marian or Tina.
Once again, on behalf of the family, this is to say ‘Thank you’ to those incredibly generous Nigerians that have silently supported Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene whilst alive, and now in death.
Attached picture is of Peter, his wife, Tina, and his last son, Churchill, in happier times.
Dr. Olusegun Odegbami MON, OLY, AFNIIA, FNIS
