Sports

‘I am unemployed’ – Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme

Published

6 years ago

September 21, 2018

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, has said he is unsure of his next move after acute leukaemia ended his career July last year.

Ikeme was first choice for Nigeria and Wolverhampton Wanderers before being forced to quit and resume chemotherapy instantly.

The 32-year-old received support globally during his recovery.

Although, he was offered a coaching role with Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ikeme says he is a bit confused about what to delve into.

“I am not sure what the future holds. I am unemployed and just taking it day by day,” he told the BBC Sport on Thursday.

“I would love to go and learn from the Nigerian FA. Come to Wolves and learn a little bit from them. Maybe do a bit of media work.

“I am not anxious to jump into something because being with my family is my priority at the minute.

“I wake up every morning happy to be here.”

The illness meant Ikeme was unable to go to the World Cup.

He was named as the team’s 24th squad member despite missing out.

“The World Cup was the hardest thing, football wise, for me to deal with,” he said.

“When we played England at Wembley in June, I felt ‘it should have been me’. It was the same during the first match of the World Cup. It is not a case of life not being fair, more that every kid wants to play at one.

“I watched the matches through multiple angles. Even though I had my own issues, I couldn’t think the games didn’t matter. I had an emotional involvement.

“They were my team-mates. People I class as friends. When Argentina scored in the last minute to knock us out, I was angry in my living room. I felt bad as a fan. I felt sad for my team-mates and sad for Nigeria.

“I can’t explain how joyous playing for Nigeria was for me. To know my whole family was proud. To know I was representing 200 million people who are mad about football. I love it there.”