Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is gutted that he won't be representing Nigeria at the upcoming World Cup in Russia and has sent an encouraging good luck message to his international teammates.
The 31-year-old, who played a part in Nigeria's World Cup qualification story, featuring over both legs against Swaziland and was also in between the pipes against Zambia, was unfortunately diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017 which ruled him out of action for both the promoted club and his country.
Writing on Twitter, Ikeme stated : “To say I’m devastated about missing the World Cup is a understatement.
“But I just want to thank everyone in ?? for their prayers, love and messages.
“I can’t explain how much they mean to me❤ I also want to wish my teammates, coaches and NFF luck for the summer coming ❤.”
To say I’m devastated about missing the World Cup is a understatement. But I just want to thank everyone in ?? for there prayers,love and messages. I can’t explain how much they mean to me❤️ I also want to wish my teammates, coaches and NFF luck for the summer coming ??❤️
— Carl Ikeme (@Carl_Ikeme) June 1, 2018
Ikeme earned his first call up to play for Nigeria in 2007 under then manager, Berti Vogts but he eventually made his international debut for the team in September 5th, 2015 against Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.