By Adenike Lawal<\/p>\n
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\u2014a stark contrast to the once formidable athlete who fiercely defended Nigeria’s goalposts.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, the former winger pointed out that the well of goodwill may be running dry. \u201cWe\u2019ve likely exhausted the goodwill we had with individuals like Otedola and others. Even if they haven\u2019t said so directly, it feels shameful to ask for their help again,\u201d Odegbami remarked, expressing the emotional burden of having to repeatedly seek aid for Nigeria\u2019s forgotten sports heroes.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy don\u2019t we have, or why can\u2019t 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\u2019t require rocket science\u2014just the will, hard work, and a few committed individuals of integrity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s plight is a poignant reminder of the difficult circumstances many retired athletes endure.<\/p>\n
\u201cFregene is still waiting for assistance to be transported by ambulance to Oghara Teaching Hospital in Delta State, and he’s been waiting since Monday,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
As Fregene’s health continues to decline, Odegbami’s appeal serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for reforms. His proposed solution\u2014a national welfare program for athletes\u2014could 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to act now, not just for Fregene but for every athlete who has served this country and now faces similar struggles,\u201d Odegbami concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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