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Tag: Carl Ikeme

  • Carl Ikeme’s illness my biggest regret- Gernot Rohr

     

    If there is one thing that Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr regrets while taking stock of his Super Eagles job so far, it is sickness that knocked former number one goalie Carl Ikeme off the national team.

    Speaking on Monday Night football the German Tactician who has already pocketed a ticket to the 2019 Nations Cup in Cameroon with a match against Seychelles to spare, described the experience and quite painful and heart breaking.

    “If there is one thing I would say gave me the greatest headache, it was the sickness of Carl Ikeme, it was very disappointing” he confessed.

    The former Niger and Burkina Faso coach apparently reflecting on all that has transpired both off and on the pitch, since his arrival to the country, joined the football house and other stakeholders to learn to the principle of working hand in hand as that is the best way of achieving set goals. 

    He warned against allowing politics over shadow efforts aimed at taking the nation’s football to the greater heights.

    It will be recalled that former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme contributed in no small measure to Nigeria’s qualification for the last World Cup in Russia, putting up impressive performance in the qualifiers leading to the world cup.

    Unfortunately the 32 year old was diagnosed with acute leukaemia just before the start of the World cup, forcing out of both national and club assignments. Wolverhampton new goalkeeper Rui Patrício left the number 1 jersey vacant in Ikeme’s honour, choosing the 11 instead.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ikeme Will Join Eagles October says Rohr

    Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr has confirmed that retired goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme is ready to officially commence his role as a member of the Super Eagles’ technical crew.

    But, Ikeme will not resume not until after Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nation’s away match against Seychelles in Victoria in September.

    The German tactician confirmed that Ikeme is expected to arrive Lagos on October 4, for Eagles’ third match in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, against Libya on October 10th which he would be one of the Nigerian team’s goalkeepers’ trainers.

    Going to Seychelles for the Eagles’ upcoming fixture at the restart of the AFCON qualifiers could be asking too much from the leukaemia survivor, as it would mean him flying for ten hours, which Rohr says “is not conducive.”

    He continued, “Ikeme has been excused from next weekend’s game and will make his debut in the Eagles’ dug  with Libya, for which he will land in Lagos six days before the match.”

    Heading into that game, Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr confirmed that Ikeme will take the six-hour flight from London to Lagos, rather than start with next Friday’s second AFCON 2019 qualifier against Seychelles.

  • NFF to send Ikeme to coaching school

    Carl Ikeme has a future with the Super Eagles of Nigeria after he retired from professional football, this, NationSport can report

    It was gathered that the Nigeria Football Federation has planned to enroll the retired Super Eagles’ goalkeeper in a coaching school as a goalkeeper trainer and then absorb him into the technical crew of the team.

    NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi on Sunday made this known in a statement made available

    adding that Federation has been in contact with Ikeme, who announced his retirement from the game on Friday, with a view to train him.

    He said, `”Carl Ikeme was an embodiment of absolute dedication, commitment and patriotic fervour in the games that he played for the Super Eagles.

    “”The circumstances of his retirement from the game are somewhat depressing, even as we thank God for his life.

    “”The Nigeria Football Federation will find the resources to send him on a coaching course, and afterwards absorb him into the technical crew of the Super Eagles.

    ““That is the least we can do for such a dedicated patriot,”

    Sanusi revealed that the NFF was aware of Ikeme’s plan to retire from football.

    “”A few weeks ago, he had spoken on phone with the NFF President and 1st Vice President of CAF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, to intimate him on his (Ikeme’s) desire to retire.

    “”Even though he was sad about it, the NFF President commended his fighting spirit and respected his decision, and also said he would rather allow the player or his club to break the news,’’ he state

    The Wolverhampton Wanderers FC of England goalie was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017 and entered into complete remission only last month.

    He announced his decision to retire from the beautiful game of football on Friday.

    Ikeme played 191 games for Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, and was pivotal in the club’s promotion from League One to the English Championship.

    He is currently being heavily celebrated for uniting a club more renowned for its divisive tendencies.

    Ikeme was in goal for the Super Eagles in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Swaziland home and away.

    He also played in the away game to Zambia, the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania home and away and against Egypt at home.

    He also played for Nigeria in friendly matches against Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Niger Republic.

  • IKEME ON RETIREMENT: I’ll forever have fond memories of Wolves

    After announcing his retirement on Friday, Carl Ikeme spoke at length on his exciting time with Wolves and the love and affection showered on him since his battle with leukemia

    In tough times, the Wolves family shows its strength, and the love former Nigeria number one goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, has received over the past 12 months has left the goalkeeper filled with emotion for ‘his club’.

    The 32-year-old confirmed his retirement from football on Friday after a year-long battle with acute leukemia but is now looking towards the future with excitement both personally and at Molineux.

    Throughout his battle, Carl has received the love and backing from Wolves supporters through messages and fundraising events, and struggled to put into words the impact it made on him.

    “It’s moving because you never realise people like you,” he explained to wolves.co.uk. “When you’re playing you’re just in the mode of playing game after game, but when you’re in these circumstances you realise how people feel about you.

    “The support has been incredible, everyday someone has asked me how I am for a whole year. It’s incredible to think people actually care so much that they’ll do fundraisers in my name.”

    Now in remission, Carl on Friday made the tough decision to officially retire from football on medical advice but now has peace of mind that he can plan to the future and spend vital time with his young family.

    “I spoke with the doctor and he suggested I should retire, because of the toll the treatment has taken on my body. He thinks it’s what is best for me and I can’t really risk trying to come back, my health is the priority.

    “I want to be here for my children, family and friends. In the grand scheme of things with my life in danger, it’s the minimum price I have to pay to spend the rest of my time with my family.”

    Nevertheless, it was a decision Carl was never going to take lightly, after joining the club’s academy as a youngster and going on to make more than 200 appearances in a Wolves shirt.

    “It’s not really set in since speaking to the doctor. In time I can have a good look back, it’s been incredible for me personally to have been at Wolves from 14 to 31 – playing for just one club is something I’m proud of.

    “It’s nice to have been a one club man because it’s rare these days. I’m proud that I can always come back to Wolverhampton and always have friends here, and be loved, it’s incredible.”

    The longevity of his spell speaks volumes for Carl’s affection for the football club. He now plans to remain involved with Wolves in some capacity and return to watching the team play as a supporter.

    “This is my club. It’s been strange because this year I’ve enjoyed being a fan, watching the games. I’d be getting a bit heated on my own in my hospital room when nobody was about.

    “When I’m doing radio commentary it’s no different, I try to be professional but it spills out. This is my club and it always will be, now I’m not playing, I’m a fan and I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be coming to enjoy the games with the fans who’ve supported me in my whole career, through the hardest moments.”

    For now, Carl will rightly enjoy some much-needed family time and reflect on what has been a fine career as Wolves’ goalkeeper – but this isn’t the end of his Molineux journey.

    “It’s sad when you look back and think of the sacrifices you’ve made to be a footballer but I’m happy with what I achieved. If you’d have said I could have had this career at 11 I would have snapped your hands off.

    “I’ve still got friends in the academy and people working at Wolves who’ve helped me. I can’t thank Jeff, Kev and Laurie enough for how good they’ve been with me since the treatment.

    “Now I’m going to enjoy being around the club, experiencing the good and bad times, but I’ll definitely be in and around the club,” he said.

  • Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper Ikeme quits football

    Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has announced his retirement from football after a year-long battle with acute leukaemia, the English Premier League club said on Friday.

    The 32-year-old who was Super Eagles’ number one goalkeeper has been with Wolves for his entire career, making over 200 appearances for the club.

    Ikeme said his decision to retire comes on medical advice after “a tough year and intense chemotherapy’’.

    “I spoke with the doctor and he suggested I should retire, because of the toll the treatment has taken on my body,” Ikeme told the club website.

    “He thinks it’s what is best for me and I can’t really risk trying to come back. My health is the priority.

    “I want to be here for my children, family and friends. In the grand scheme of things with my life in danger, it’s the minimum price I have to pay to spend the rest of my time with my family.”

    Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017 but entered into complete remission only last month.

    Last month, he had announced on his twitter handle: “After a tough year and intense chemotherapy treatment I would like to let everyone know I am in complete remission.

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    “I still have hurdles to get over to be cured but I can hopefully now move forward with some normality.’’

    Ikeme was in goal for Nigeria’s first three matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

    These were the home and away ties against Swaziland in the preliminary stage, and away to Zambia in the opener to the group phase campaign before being diagnosed of acute leukaemia.

    His first cap was in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania in Dar es Salaam in September 2015.

  • Ikeme: I’m winning the fight against cancer

    *thanks Nigerians for support

    Sidelined Super Eagles number one goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has added to the joy of Nigerians after revealing that he has overcome the worst stage of his ailment.

    Ikeme who has continued to enjoy the prayers of footballers across the world, said although it is not yet uhuru he can now move with some normality.

    The news is like a double delight coming just few hours after the Super Eagles revived the nation’s hope in the ongoing World cup in Russia. Defeat by Croatia in the first match did not only dampen the spirit of the nation but led to submissions that the team had an eye set on the exit doors in Russia.  However a resounding 2-0 victory over Iceland in the second game raised hope especially with the thrashing of perennial rivals Argentina by Croatia.

    Ikeme who has been keeping tab of developments in Russia added to the celebration when he announced that his days of severe pain are over, even as he thanked Nigerians and none Nigerians alike for their prayers and massive support.  Recall that Iceland team who lost 2-0 to Nigeria posted a team photo in which paid tribute to Ikeme few hours to the match that saw Ahmed Musa shine like a million stars.

    “After a year of intense chemotherapy I would like to share that I am in complete REMISSION. I still have hurdles to pass to be cured, but hopefully I can move on with some normality! I would like to thank everyone for their support over the past year. Thank you” he said

    Ikeme who contributed in no small measure to Super Eagles qualification for the World cup, was diagnosed of Leukemia just few matches left to the final qualification for the World cup and subsequently was ruled out of both club and national assignments to begin treatment. Officials of the Nigeria football Federation (NFF) paid him a visit just before heading to the World cup in Russia even as he was named and unregistered player in the final 23 man list released by Coach Gernot Rohr.

  • Team Iceland Identify with Carl Ikeme  ahead clash

     

    He may not have made it to the ongoing world cup in Russia due to circumstances beyond his control, but Nigeria international and Wolves goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme has not been forgotten.

    He is constantly being put in prayer not only by Nigerians but even by non Nigerians alike.  Another interesting part to this solidarity with Ikeme who contributed in no small measure to Nigeria’s qualification for the World cup came to the fore Monday as Super Eagles opponents come Friday,

    Iceland, took to the social media to express good wishes to the Nigeria international who was ruled out of the world after being diagnosed of leukemia. Prior to leaving to the World cup in Russia, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) went to visit the goalkeeper who has since been receiving treatment for the ailment.

    Iceland began their campaign at the World cup against Argentina and held them to a 1-1 draw contrary to initial predictions in some quarters that they will lose to Argentina.  In the post on Monday, Iceland players did not only display the number one shirt which is the jersey number of Carl Ikeme but also gave words of encouragement.”All of us in @footballiceland are with you @Carl_Ikeme ?❤️ Respect! Thank you. @footballiceland ?

    The Nigeria international has been out action since March 2017 after he was diagnosed with acute leaukemia

    Iceland national team has shown their support for Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme before both teams meet at the Volgograd Arena on Friday.

    Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side will take on the Super Eagles for their group D second fixture on Friday

    Ikeme made his international debut for Nigeria on 5 September 2015 against Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification game.

    Ikeme made three appearances early on in Nigeria’s successful qualification campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but could not go to the final tournament due to his cancer treatment, which manager Gernot Rohr called his greatest regret.

     

     

     

     

  • Ikeme’s challenge a passing phase -NFF

     

    Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has described current health challenge forcing Super Eagles number one goalkeeper Carl Ikeme to miss the world cup, as a passing phase, adding that he will come out of it stronger and better.

    Big Wigs of the Glass House made the submission Monday after making out time to visit Ikeme and to assure him that the entire nation remains solidly behind him.

    Ikeme who contributed in no small measure to Nigeria’s qualification for the World cup was diagnosed with acute leukemia after returning “abnormal blood tests” during pre-season testing at English club Wolverhampton Wanderers and had to undergo chemotherapy.

    He was particularly impressive in Eagles away outing against Zambia in Ndola.

    NFF President Amaju Pinnick who led the delegation comprising 1st Vice President, Barrister  Seyi Akinwunmi, General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Super Eagles’ Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi, Eagles’ goalkeepers’ trainer Alloy Agu and team media officer, Toyin Ibitoye told an elated Ikeme ”

    “We believe this is just a phase that will pass away. You will come out of it stronger and still be able to do what you love to do the best, both for your club and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.”

    The Glass House had earlier reminded Ikeme that he will be kicking off the England versus Nigeria friendly billed for June 2nd at the wimbley Stadium.

    “We have also come to seek your permission to be our special guest at the pre- World Cup friendly game against England at the Wembley Stadium on 2nd June. We want you to perform the customary kick-off of that game and if you approve of it, we will immediately request this of The Football Association.”

    Ikeme who was diagnosed of acute leukemia on 6 July 2017 has continued to receive treatment with impressive returns.

    A thankful Ikeme said he is overwhelmed by the support he has received from Nigerians since the unfortunate incident and prayed for the progress of the team. Eagles will tackle Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in the Group stage of the World cup which kicks off on June 14 in Russia.

  • PHOTO NEWS: Joe Hart Visits Carl Ikeme in Hospital

    PHOTO NEWS: Joe Hart Visits Carl Ikeme in Hospital

    England and Manchester City shot stopper, Joe Hart has shown support for the Nigeria Super Eagles and Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme when he paid him a visit at the hospital where he is being treated for acute leukaemia.

    According to expressandstar, Hart who could leave City in the current transfer window and could not hide his feelings concerning the sad news was the latest football star to show his support by visiting the Nigeria international.

    The gloves man was seen in a picture alongside Ikeme when he tweeted:
    “The big man @Carl_Ikeme had another member of the keepers union too pop by!”

    Wolve announced on their official website last week Thursday that Ikeme returned “abnormal blood tests” during pre-season testing and further checks confirmed the diagnosis.

    Former Bulgaria and Aston Villa star, Stiliyan Petrov who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2012 but successfully battled the disease, also made a trip to see the Super Eagles goalkeeper over the weekend.

    On Tuesday, Wolves confirmed that Ikeme will retain his No.1 jersey for next season despite battling with leukaemia.

  • Aston Villa legend Petrov rallies support for Ikeme

    Aston Villa legend Petrov rallies support for Ikeme

     

    Stiliyan Petrov has given his support to Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme after he was diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

    The former Aston Villa, Celtic and Bulgaria star, who successfully battled leukaemia himself, visited 31-year-old Ikeme over the weekend.

    Petrov told the Birmingham Mail: ‘I went to see Carl the other day, so we had a little chat. Obviously there were a lot of questions in his mind, and he was in very good spirits.

    ‘He’s started his treatment now. It’s a long road to follow.

    ‘He had so many questions so I’ve been through it with him. You need to answer in a way that’s going to give him everything that will happen, what to expect, how to deal with it, what are the side-effects, how he’s going to approach everything.

    ‘There are a lot of things, but he’s in good spirits and that’s the main thing. I said to him, ‘You’ll have great support. Everybody around the world will support you and it’s a great help’.

    ‘It’s a long road, it’s hard, it’s tough, you need to really battle though it. But look at me now. I’m alive, I’m kicking.

    ‘It’s life afterwards and it’s worth it when you battle so hard to appreciate life even more afterwards.’