Sad! Carl Ikeme diagnosed with acute leukaemia

Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia, his club Wolverhampton Wanderers announced on Thursday.

The 31-year old, who missed out a part of last season due to injury, has been on the verge of returning to full fitness before the unfortunate diagnosis.

“It is with great sadness that Wolves can today reveal that Carl Ikeme has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia,” the English Championship club announced on their website.

“Carl will now start an immediate course of chemotherapy as he begins a lengthy battle against the disease.”

The club added in the statement: “Carl and his family would request that their privacy be respected at this time, and any updates on his progress will be provided through the club.”

Speaking to the website, the club’s Managing Director Laurie Dalrymple said: “It goes without saying that Carl and his family will receive the full love and support that we at Wolves can provide – we are all with him every single step of the way towards a full recovery.

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“There are going to be some very tough times ahead, but he will receive the best possible care, aided and supported by our own club doctor and medical team, as he embarks on the lengthy process of treatment,” Dalrymple added.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have expressed their shock over the sad news and have backed the first-choice goalkeeper to recover from the illness.

“Our thoughts are with @NGSuperEagles GK, @Carl_Ikeme who has been diagnosed with leukaemia. We will pray and rally round him at this time,” NFF tweeted later on Thursday.

“The Nigerian football fraternity and indeed the world, pray for @Carl_Ikeme as he faces this tough but not impossible journey. We believe,” NFF President Amaju Pinnick also wrote in a series of tweets.

“We believe this strength will see @Carl_Ikeme through. Stay strong @Carl_Ikeme and have faith. You will beat this like a champion.

“As devastating as this is, we also know @Carl_Ikeme possesses the fighting spirit associated with Nigerians. We are behind Carl completely.”

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