Carl Ikeme: Sunday Oliseh says it was an honour to have worked with former Super Eagles goalkeeper

Oliseh is honoured to have worked with Carl Ikeme before his retirement from football.

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has stated that it was an honour to work with Carl Ikeme after the goalkeeper announced his retirement from football.

Ikeme announced his retirement on Friday, July 27 much to the shock of Nigerian football lovers who were hoping to see him back in the Super Eagles jersey.

When Oliseh was coach of the Super Eagles he scouted Ikeme who went on to become the first choice goalkeeper of the team.

Speaking about the retired Ikeme in a report by ACL Sport, Oliseh stated that he was impressed by his goalkeeping abilities which earned him an invite to the team.

 

He said, “I was first struck by his reflexes for one so big but it was his ability to negotiate aerial balls that impressed me the most.

"Those were observations of a coach scouting a potential playing staff.”

Oliseh invited Ikeme into the national team fold but revealed that the shot-stopper should have been part of the team earlier before he called him up.

He said, “I get credit for calling him (Ikeme) up to the national team but the truth is that he really should have been in the squad well before I came on board.

"He had been doing great things at his club for long periods."

Oliseh recounted his experience working with him and the professional manner he displayed in discharging his duties for the national team.

He praised his personality, work ethic and revealed that it was an honour to have worked with him.

 

He said, “When we met in person I was pleasantly surprised to meet a man who was dedicated to his work, humble and a fierce competitor.

"I consider it an honour to have worked with such a great man, sincerely.

The shot-stopper will not be making a return to the pitch and Oliseh sated that he was greatly disappointed not to have seen him participate at the 2018 FIFA World Cup after playing a huge role in the qualification process.

 

He said, “That Carl Ikeme has to leave football is one of the saddest things I have heard recently for me as a human being first, and as a coach.

"Watching the World Cup this year and not seeing Ikeme there after the part he played during qualification was also sad."

Oliseh rounded up by praising the former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper and stated that he his presence will be missed on the pitch.

 

Oliseh concluded by saying, “a great human being, a great goalkeeper, a great ambassador for football and for Nigeria, one who has shown so much courage and strength in facing this illness.

"God bless you, Carl, we will miss you on the pitch but we are extremely glad to have you around with us still.”