Super Eagles Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has appreciated Nigerians for giving him the support needed to keep a clean sheet in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying match against the Tafias of Tanzania in Daar salem on Saturday.
The Wolves of England safe glove, who had earlier told Sportinglife that he has all it takes to step into the shoes of Vincent Enyeama, really proved his worth in the match, as he made some saves to deny the host the opportunity of disgracing the former African Champions.
Quoting his words, the 29 -year- old goalkeeper said: “First I have to thank Nigerians for giving me the support alongside other players to serve the country, also, we have to thank the coach for extending invitations to us, we promise Nigerians that we would do better in subsequent matches. My performance was nothing extraordinary, but what is expected of me as a goalkeeper” he said.
Born in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, Ikeme progressed through Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy and made the first team squad in their 2003–04 Premier League season. Due to Matt Murray’s long term injury, he was promoted to the substitutes’ bench for a string of games but never played. To gain first team action, he moved on loan to League Two side Accrington Stanley. He made senior debut on October 16, 2004 when he played the first of four games for them, keeping a clean sheet at Aldershot Town. He also had a further loan move to Stockport County in Autumn 2005 which was cut short due to a hand injury. He finally made his Wolves debut the following season, in a 5–1 win over Chester City in the League Cup on August 23, 2005. However, although often on the bench, he had to wait until August 26, 2006 for his first league appearance for the club when he appeared as a late substitute in a 1–0 win over Luton Town.
