Carl Ikeme battled Leukaemia in 2018 bringing his 18-years footballing career at Wolverhampton Wanderers to an abrupt end
By Kehinde Okeowo
Carl Ikeme had an emotional return when he resumed at the training ground of Wolverhampton Wanderers for the first time since he was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2018 on Saturday.
The 35-year-old shot-stopper has been battling cancer, which halted his 18-years footballing career at Wolves for the past 5 years.
The former Super Eagles goalkeeper, on his return, went on a tour of the Wolves’ Compton Park training ground and met old friends and faces in the team.
Carl Ikeme was shown around the training ground by another goalkeeper, John Ruddy as he was introduced to the new technical crew of the team and other officials of the Premier League side.
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In the video shared on the club’s YouTube page, which has since gone viral, the Nigerian star was seen exchanging hugs and pleasantries with England defender and Wolves captain, Connor Coady.
He also met and greeted his African compatriot, Ivorian defender Willy Bolly before going on to the pitch to join others for the training session.
Carl Ikeme made ten appearances for the senior national team before he was diagnosed with cancer of the blood, leukaemia.
His first game for Nigeria was the goalless draw against Tanzania on the 5th of September, 2015.
During his training with Wolves on his return, Ikeme showed impressive reflexes and looked sharp like he never left.
it is not yet clear if Carl Ikeme, who was seen by many football lovers as Nigeria’s best goalkeeper after Vincent Enyeama, has fully returned to action for his club.
However, his return sent netizens into a frenzy, as they asserted that he will improve the Super Eagles after howlers from Okoye and Uzoho cost Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifier respectively.