Sports
Urgent Help Needed for Ailing Former Nigerian Goalkeeper Peter Fregene, Says Odegbami
Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, the former Nigerian national team goalkeeper, is in critical condition at Obule Medical Centre in Sapele, Delta State, and urgently requires financial assistance for his transfer to Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara.
The 1968 Olympian has been battling serious health issues, raising concerns within Nigeria’s sports community. Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, a fellow sports legend and former captain of the Super Eagles, shared Fregene’s situation through a WhatsApp message, expressing his frustration over the lack of support for retired athletes. He highlighted the pressing need for a welfare scheme to ensure proper healthcare for aging sports figures.
Odegbami stated, “Fregene requires immediate medical attention at Oghara Teaching Hospital but is hindered by financial constraints.” He also shared a distressing image of Fregene from the hospital, emphasizing the dire situation faced by many retired athletes in Nigeria.
“I feel frustrated publishing this ‘horror’ picture, wishing I could assist a colleague without resorting to public appeals. We must have exhausted our goodwill with prominent Nigerians who have previously come to the aid of suffering sports heroes,” Odegbami lamented.
He called for the establishment of a welfare scheme to provide ongoing support for both active and retired athletes, arguing that such initiatives do not require complex solutions—just will, dedication, and integrity.
“The number of retired sports heroes struggling with poverty and neglect is increasing. Their situations are often grim, and government support for sports remains a low priority,” he added.
Fregene remains at the hospital, awaiting help for his ambulance transfer to Oghara Teaching Hospital. While he has received support in the past, including from Globacom, he currently relies on the generosity of friends and supporters, including Tony Ojesina, who has donated funds for the ambulance service.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
Van Vicker Celebrates 21st Wedding Anniversary: “I Have No Regrets”
Davido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business14 hours agoOkpella Monarch: Obaseki Ratified Kingmakers Decision, End 5years leadership Vacuum
-
Banking10 hours agoFree Food Saga: Akpabio quoted out of context-CSO
-
Foreign15 hours agoSci-tech innovation fuels China’s high-quality development
-
Entertainment7 hours agoDavido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
-
Entertainment7 hours ago‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business7 hours agoWike Urges Nigerians to Pay Taxes for Improved Social Services
-
Foreign9 hours agoQinling Mountains better safeguarded with comprehensive digital platform
-
Foreign9 hours agoExpressway service station in Shandong achieves carbon neutrality