Tag: Carl Ikeme

It was lamentation galore as the news broke that the nation’s number one goalkeeper and Wolves safe hand Carl Ikeme has been diagnosed with leukemia. A cross section of fans who reacted on social media, radio and  television phone in programs described the situation as heart aching. Some regretted that the unfortunate development is coming at a time when the Super Eagles has been boxed into a corner by poor blend among new invitees to the national team coupled with goalkeeping shortfalls which has forced some to tinker with the idea of calling Vincent Enyeama out of retirement.

They were however unanimous in praying for  Ikeme who they say is not only a dedicated goalkeeper but also an epitome of humility.

“It is rather unfortunate that this is coming at this time when the Eagles need serious beef up ahead of the World cup and Nations Cup qualifiers. With the loss to South Africa everybody expects the technical crew to beef up the team before facing Cameroon but this is a huge set back”, they submitted adding we really need to pray for Ikeme because nothing is impossible for God

Some did not stop there as they equally sent personal messages to the 31 year old goalkeeper via @carl_ikeme

Meanwhile Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has sent a heartfelt message of support to Carl Ikeme following his diagnosis.  The Barca safehand on twitter said ” A tweet simply too short to express my thoughts about Carl Ikeme,” afterwards he turned to his facebook which gave him more space to express himself and encourage other goalkeepers even as he expressed hope that the Nigerian international can adopt a positive mind in his period of trial.

“Today I read the story about Carl Ikeme, a goalkeeper for Nigeria and Wolverhampton, who’s been diagnosed with acute leukemia [sic]. A person I’ve never met but his story affects me and touches my heart.

“I can’t underline how important health is. In sport, it means a lot for every athlete; and it’s not just crucial so that we perform well but our health does affect us mentally also. I try to be in the best possible shape, remembering to follow my diet and regularly check up on my health status. I think about this all time. I would never want to see a player get injured, especially when it’s serious. I know the feeling and it’s the worst.

“But more alarming than an injury, is having to stop what you love because of your health. It’s complicated to understand and a painful reality to relax. I am speechless. I don’t know what to say.

“I wish Carl and his family all the strength in the world. I’m sure his team-mates and club will be there too, and all their fans. It’s important to be united! And me too, I offer all my possible support. I’m hoping he can fight like goalkeepers always do, with a calm and positive mind,” said Ter Stegen

Aside from Ter Stegen, a number of social media posts wishing Ikeme well have been sent from across the soccer world with Manchester United’s David de Gea and former Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas among the latest to send their support.

Ikeme who stepped in as Nigeria’s number one following the retirement of former number Vincent Enyeama, made his debut for the Super Eagles on 5 September 2015 against Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification game.

It was a rough Saturday for Super Eagles and Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Carl  Ikeme as he did not only watch his three match clean sheet dented but also got the marching orders from the referee in the 72nd minute of the match.  It was a day everything chose to go wrong as visiting Wolverhampton were handed a 3-1 defeat by their hosts.

Norwich had shot into the lead in the 13th minute through Steven Naismith.  The goal became an early warning that Ikeme who had earlier maintained clean sheet against Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and Aston Villa was not going to enjoy a tea party at Carrow Road; However Heider Costa converted a penalty in the 57th minute for the visitors to raise hope of possibly leaving the venue with a draw.

That was however not to be as Robbie Brady equally converted a penalty for the homers in the 75th minute before Jonathan Howson increased the tally to three a minute into extra time.

Prior to the second goal however Ikeme got a red card forcing him out of the pitch. Hoolahan, running to the right of the goal in the six yard box, was brought down by Ikeme. The Wolves players believe it was a dive and are enraged leading to pushing and shoving in the box before Ikeme is sent off. Doherty took the gloves and was beaten by Robbie Brady’s penalty.

Prior to Saturday’s match coach  Paul Lambert had praised Ikeme’s contribution in goal as well as compatriot Dominic Iorfa’s effort in defence.

Wolverhampton interestingly maintained 57% possession which unfortunately could not prevent their defeat in the championship tie. Sadly Wolves had lost their past three visits to Norwich and were hoping that Saturday’s visit will break what was gradually turning into a jinx.

Current form of Super Eagles and Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is a source of delight to the Club’s manager Paul Lambert.

Ikeme has maintained clean sheet for the club in the last three games against Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and Aston Villa and the coach is optimistic the clean sheet with continue even as they face Norwich City in a Championship tie Saturday at the Carrow Road (Norwich, Norfolk).

Coach Lambert is however not in cloud nine for only Ikeme but also with compatriot and club defender Dominic Iorfa. The 21 year old according to Lambert has also been effective at the back where is doing a good job in covering effectively for better results.

“Carl Ikeme’s at the top of his game as well, the lads at the back with Richard (Stearman) and Danny (Batth) or Mike Williamson and Kortney Hause, or Dominic Iorfa, or Conor Coady or Matt Doherty, it’s really strong at the back.

“That’s the secret of it,” he enthused

Wolves are 16th in the Championship and are 13 points off the play-off places but Lambert believes if the team continue the way they are going getting a play-off place is only a matter of time describing the unity of purpose among the players as pleasantly infectious.

“There are a lot of games to go. I don’t know what’s around the corner, it’s a cliché but we take one game at a time,” Lambert told club website.

“At this moment they’re in a good place, defensively and offensively.

“Allied with the spirit they’ve got with each other and how close they seem to be and the supporters… it’s an accumulation of everything and a multitude of things that are going really well for us.