Carl Ikeme to be offered coaching role by NFF

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, is set to be will offered a coaching education after which he would join the technical crew of the Senior National Football Team.

This much was revealed in a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday, and was signed by the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi.

The Federation stated that it is in contact with Ikeme, who announced his retirement from the sport days ago.

“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. That is the least we can do for such a dedicated patriot,” Sanusi said in the statement.

Ikeme, former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017; but announced last month that he had entered into complete remission.

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He finally called it quit last Friday as he thinks it is best for him to stop playing because of the toll the treatment of the ailment has taken on his body.

“Carl Ikeme 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.

“A few weeks ago, he (Ikeme) had spoken on phone with the NFF President and 1st Vice President of CAF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, to intimate him on his desire to retire.

“Even though he was sad about it, the NFF President commended his fighting spirit and respected his decision, and also said he would rather allow the player or his club to break the news,” Sanusi added.

Born in England, Ikeme opted to play for the Super Eagles and earned a call-up in August 2015. He went on to play in eight more games for Nigeria before the ailment struck and denied him of a World Cup appearance.

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