Super Eagles players on Tuesday, March 27 sent a signed jersey to goalkeeper Carl Ikeme who is currently battling acute leukaemia.
After “abnormal blood tests” at Wolverhampton WanderersCarl Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukemiawhich has ruled him out of action since 2017 as he had to undergo chemotherapy.
He played two games during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign before he was diagnosed of the illness.
The Super Eagles took out time from their preparation for the friendly game against Serbia to sign a jersey which was sent to Ikeme.
The jersey was presented to Ikeme by top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick, Seyi Akinwunmi and Mohammed Sanusi during their visit to the goalkeeper at the Christie Clinic in Manchester.
A statement by the NFF chiefs revealed that the purpose of their visit was to check up on Ikeme and ask about his recovery process also to present the signed jersey by the players.
“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,” the statement said
In his absence, the Super Eagles teammates have continued to pay tribute to him. It could be recalled that Super Eagles playerswore 'stay strong Carlbefore a game in August 2017.
Special invitation for Ikeme
The NFF delegation also extended an invitation to Ikeme as a special guest for the friendly between the Super Eagles and England on Saturday, June 2 at the Wembley 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.” the statement said.
Ikeme accepted the request and thanked the football body and his teammates for their support.
He said, “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.”