Carl Ikeme: NFF to train retired Super Eagles goalkeeper

Following his retirement the NFF have decided to make the best of Carl Ikeme's experience.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that it will train retired Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme and then integrate him into the Senior National Football Team technical crew.

Ikeme retired on Friday, July 27 following his victory over Acute-Leukamia which ruled him out of football for a while.

The shot-stopper's decision to retire came as a shock to football loving Nigerians who hoped to see him in the Super Eagles jersey since his return to full fitness.

The Amaju Pinnick led NFF administration have however decided upon his retirement to incorporate the shot-stopper into the national team fold.

 

Dr. Mohammed Sanusi the NFF General Secretary made this known in a statement on the Federation's website.

He said, “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.

“The Nigeria Football Federation will find the resources to send him 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.”

The football administrator also revealed that the former Wolverhampton Wanderers shot-stopper's decision to retire was one in which the NFF were fully aware of.

He said, “A few weeks ago, he had spoken on phone with the NFF President and 1 Vice President of CAF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, to intimate him on his (Ikeme’s) desire to retire. Even though he was sad about, 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.” 

Ikeme played in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers  and also in the qualifiers of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.