A stunned NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, was lost for words after the sad news broke in the international media. “What? This is very, very sad. Carl Ikeme diagnosed with acute leukemia? This is harsh.”
Sanusi
stated that the NFF and the Nigerian Football family would rally round the
energetic shot –stopper in his difficult period. “Our thoughts are with Carl at
this difficult period. The NFF and the football fraternity in Nigeria are taken
aback by this sad development, knowing how strong Carl has been in goal for
Nigeria since he made his debut in 2015.
“We
have been told that he will start chemotherapy immediately. We want him to stay
strong and remain the self –assured man that he has always been, and we will
continue to pray for him and wish him the best with regards to the treatment,”
Sanusi said.
Ikeme
has always shown ability, agility and high level of confidence between the
sticks for Nigeria, since taking up the number one goalie’s responsibilities
following the sudden retirement of three –time World Cup star Vincent Enyeama
from international football in October 2015.
He
was in goal for the Super Eagles over two legs of the 2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary
round against Swaziland, as well as the 2-1 defeat of Zambia in Ndola at the
beginning of the group phase of the 2018 FIFA World Cup race.
He
was also in action against Tanzania and Egypt in 2017 Africa Cup of Nations
qualifying matches, and in friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg in Europe
last year summer.
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