Nigeria football federation (NFF) has taken time out to visit sick Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme at the Christie Clinic in Manchester.
Ikeme played an active role for the Super Eagles during the early stage of the qualifying campaign but is now sidelined by illness.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme
Carl Ikeme became the Super Eagles’ number one man between the pipes months before the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary fixture against Swaziland and the first match of the group phase against Zambia in Ndola. He kept goal in those three matches.
They was visible sadness among the Nigerian footballing community nine months ago when Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukemia after returning “abnormal blood tests” during pre-season testing at English club Wolverhampton Wanderers and had to undergo chemotherapy.
Ikeme (second right) with Pinnick (right), Akinwunmi (left) and Sanusi (second left) PHOTO: NFF
The NFF led by president Amaju Melvin Pinnick led a delegation of NFF chieftains and team staff to visit the imposing goal –minder at The Christie Clinic in Manchester, where he is being treated.
Among the delegates were NFF 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.
Speaking to Ikeme, Pinnick said: “We have come on behalf of the Government of Nigeria and the NFF to check up on you, find out how your recovery is going and to tell you that you are still very much on our minds and a member of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
“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 with Agu (right) and Achor (left) PHOTO: NFF
The NFF president further assured Ikeme that he would be fully captured in the team’s financial benefits for Nigeria’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup “as we all remember the role you played in helping us get off to a winning start in the final phase of qualifiers in Ndola against Zambia."
“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.”
Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi, said: “On behalf of the team, we want to reassure you of our love. The entire team would have been here to see you if we were not playing against Serbia. Coach Gernot Rohr, the technical and backroom staff are all praying for your speedy recovery. The team asked that I present this autographed jersey, signed by all the players, to you. It is our new kit for the World Cup.”
Ikeme’s immediate boss in the Super Eagles, Alloy Agu, had this to say: “As your goalkeeper coach in the national team, I know you are a fighter, you never give up. I believe these attributes will see you through. We will always be there for you as you recover from this illness.”
An ecstatic Ikeme, who was visible moved by all the kind words, responded: “I am so overwhelmed by this show of love. I am indeed grateful to Nigerians who daily flood my phone with prayers and well wishes. I feel their love everywhere, everyday, on social media. I thank the Government of Nigeria and the NFF for all the support and I appreciate my teammates so much for being there for me.”
NAIJ.com previously reported that The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Serbia at The Hive stadium in London, home to English League Two side Barnet.
https://www.naija.ng/1160121-nff-officials-visit-super-eagles-goalkeeper-carl-ikeme-hospital.html

Good gestures

Pele Op U Just Dey Learn,you Will Graduate From Novice In 10yr Time, How Are U Ikeme? how is ur body? pele

He has lost a lot of weight sha
Wishing him speedy recovery