By Adenike Lawal
Former Green Eagles winger, Chief Segun Odegbami, has once again raised alarm over the deteriorating health condition of former Nigerian national team goalkeeper, Peter Fregene. In a heartfelt appeal, Odegbami shared a photo of the ailing Fregene bedridden at the Obule Medical Centre in Sapele, Delta State—a stark contrast to the once formidable athlete who fiercely defended Nigeria’s goalposts.
Fregene, an Olympian who represented Nigeria in the 1968 Games, served as the national team goalkeeper across three decades, from the 1960s to the 1980s. Known for his agility and leadership on the field, his current condition highlights the challenging post-career struggles many athletes face.
Odegbami, fondly referred to as “Mathematical” for his precision on the field, expressed his frustration at the situation. He lamented that he had to resort to seeking public assistance once again for his ailing colleague. While deeply concerned for Fregene’s welfare, Odegbami admitted feeling helpless without the means to independently assist him, making the appeal all the more distressing.
“I wish I had the resources to help Peter on my own without having to turn to the same few Nigerians who have repeatedly come to the aid of struggling former athletes,” he said.
Odegbami reminisced about the generosity of notable Nigerian philanthropists who, over the years, have stepped in to support athletes in need. He specifically named prominent figures like Femi Otedola, Mike Adenuga, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Babatunde Fashola, Benson Ejindu, and Allen Onyema, who have historically provided assistance to retired sports stars.
However, the former winger pointed out that the well of goodwill may be running dry. “We’ve likely exhausted the goodwill we had with individuals like Otedola and others. Even if they haven’t said so directly, it feels shameful to ask for their help again,” Odegbami remarked, expressing the emotional burden of having to repeatedly seek aid for Nigeria’s forgotten sports heroes.
The situation underscores a larger systemic issue that Odegbami passionately addressed: the lack of a structured welfare system for retired athletes in Nigeria. Despite the country’s rich sporting history, no comprehensive program has been established to support former sportsmen and women who, after years of service to the nation, find themselves abandoned in their time of need.
“Why don’t we have, or why can’t we create, a simple welfare scheme for active and retired athletes across all sports? As we age, our health naturally declines after our sports careers, and the need for support grows. This doesn’t require rocket science—just the will, hard work, and a few committed individuals of integrity,” he said.
Odegbami criticized the government’s consistent neglect of sports as a national priority, noting that, 64 years after independence, there has been little to no meaningful change. He reiterated that Fregene’s plight is a poignant reminder of the difficult circumstances many retired athletes endure.
“Fregene is still waiting for assistance to be transported by ambulance to Oghara Teaching Hospital in Delta State, and he’s been waiting since Monday,” Odegbami revealed. He also acknowledged that Globacom, the telecommunications company, had supported Fregene over the past year and expressed hope that they would respond again to his urgent needs.
Odegbami’s call to action goes beyond Fregene’s case, shedding light on a broader issue affecting countless former athletes. Many of these individuals devoted their lives to representing Nigeria on the international stage, yet find themselves neglected in their later years, struggling with health issues, financial instability, and little to no institutional support.
As Fregene’s health continues to decline, Odegbami’s appeal serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for reforms. His proposed solution—a national welfare program for athletes—could provide much-needed security for both active and retired sports professionals. Such a program would not only recognize the sacrifices made by athletes but also ensure that they are not left to suffer in obscurity once their playing days are over.
“We need to act now, not just for Fregene but for every athlete who has served this country and now faces similar struggles,” Odegbami concluded.
