In the year 2024, the sports world mourned the loss of several remarkable Nigerian athletes whose legacies will always be cherished.
Below are the notable Nigerian athletes who passed away in the outgoing year:
Peter Fregene (October 14, 2024):
The iconic former national team goalkeeper, Peter “Apu” Fregene died at the age of 77 after battling a prolonged illness.
He is fondly remembered not only for his exceptional skills between the posts but also for his significant contributions to Nigerian football.
Fregene’s momentous career saw him represent Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, where he showcased his talents on the international stage.
He played for prominent clubs like ECN and Stationery Stores FC, winning the Nigerian FA Cup and solidifying his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the nation’s history.
Christian Obi (August 23, 2024):
Christian Obi, a renowned former international goalkeeper, tragically lost his life in a car accident at the age of 57.
His death marked a heartbreaking chapter in his coaching career, which began after a successful playing stint.
Obi gained fame as an integral member of the Nigeria Under-20 team that earned a bronze medal at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship, where he notably saved three penalties in a decisive third-place match against the Soviet Union. Additionally, he represented Nigeria at the 1988 Olympics.
His untimely death occurred in Okigwe while he was traveling with Heartland FC for a pre-season tournament, eliciting a profound sense of grief from fans and colleagues alike within the Nigerian football community.
Nojim Maiyegun (August 26, 2024):
Nojim Maiyegun, Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist, passed away at the age of 83 in Vienna, Austria.
Born on February 21, 1941, in Lagos, Maiyegun made history by clinching a bronze medal in the men’s light middleweight boxing category at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria in the realm of sports.
He embarked on his boxing journey motivated by a desire to stand up to a bully, quickly evolving into one of the country’s foremost athletes.
Despite his numerous achievements, including a distinguished amateur career, Maiyegun faced personal struggles, including vision loss later in life.
He spent a considerable amount of his later years in Austria, where he passed away, leaving behind an enduring legacy as a trailblazer who inspired many athletes to pursue their dreams.
Paul Julius Goewam (August 20, 2024):
The tragic passing of Paul Julius Goewam, a promising young footballer, rocked the sports community.
He died in a car crash in Cyprus shortly after signing a professional contract, at just 20 years old.
Goewam was born on January 1, 2004, in Jos, Plateau State, standing tall at 1.90 meters and playing as a center-forward.
In the summer of 2024, he made a significant move to Enosis Neon Paralimni FC in Cyprus, transferring from Tala’ea El Gaish SC in Egypt just three weeks before the incident on the Paralimni-Protaras road.