Former Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme offered Super Eagles coaching role

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 30 July 2018

Nigeria confirm that they have offered former Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme a coaching role within the national setup's backroom staff.

Carl Ikeme has been offered a coaching role with the Nigeria national team following his retirement.

The 32-year-old, who played in goal for Nigeria and Wolverhampton Wanderers, was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017, but announced that he was in "complete remission" after "a tough year and intense chemotherapy" in June.

Ikeme has since called time on his playing career on medical advice, but Nigeria's Football Federation (NFF) plans to offer the former Super Eagles man a job when he completes his training badges, which will be financed by the national governing body.

"The NFF will find the resources to send Carl Ikeme on a coaching course, and afterwards absorb him into the technical crew of the Super Eagles," NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi said in a statement. "That is the least we can do for such a dedicated patriot.

"He was an embodiment of absolute dedication, commitment and patriotic fervour in the games that he played for the Super Eagles. The circumstances of his retirement from the game are somewhat depressing, even as we thank God for his life."

Ikeme was selected the 24th player for Nigeria at the World Cup.