NFF visits Ikeme in hospital

Top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)  have paid a visit to stricken Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme

Ikeme, who was first choice goalkeeper in the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier group phase against Zambia in Ndola, had been diagnosed with acute leukaemia after returning “abnormal blood tests” during pre-season testing at English Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers and had to undergo chemotherapy. This was nine months ago.

According to the NFF, in a press release on Monday, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, led a delegation of NFF top shots and team staff to visit Ikeme at The Christie Clinic in Manchester, where he is being treated.

In the delegation also were NFF 1st Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Super Eagles’ Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi, Eagles’ goalkeepers’ trainer Alloy Agu and team media officer, Toyin Ibitoye.

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.”

Pinnick further assured Ikeme that he would also share 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.”

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 staffs 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.”

For Agu, who is a former Super Eagles goalkeeper: “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, 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.”