World Cup 2018: Nigeria name Wolves' Carl Ikeme in squad as he continues to battle acute leukaemia
Ikeme had been a first-team regular at Wolves for five seasons until his diagnosis
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Your support makes all the difference.Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has been handed an honorary place in Nigeria’s World Cup squad as he continues to battle acute leukaemia.
Nigeria, who play England in a World Cup warm-up exhibition match at Wembley on Saturday, have a long tradition of naming a 24th man in their squad.
And for the Russia 2018 finals they have selected Ikeme, who played a part in their qualification campaign before a series of “abnormal blood tests” during pre-season testing last year confirmed the 31-year-old’s diagnosis.
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr said: “Until the last moment, there is a possibility of bringing in these players. Carl Ikeme will be our 24th player to the World Cup.”
Ikeme had been a first-team regular at Wolves for five seasons until his diagnosis. He has been at the club his entire career, making over 200 appearances in all competitions.
“It would be an understatement to say that everyone at Wolves has been shocked and saddened to hear the news,” Wolves managing director Laurie Dalrymple said last summer upon his diagnosis.
“That relates to both players and staff as Carl has been at the club for a very long time and remains such an integral personality within the group.
“At the same time, we all know what a fighter and a competitor Carl is, and I have no doubt that he will take all of those attributes into this battle.
“Similarly, its goes without saying that Carl and his family will receive the full love and support that we at Wolves can provide - we are all with him every single step of the way towards a full recovery.”
Wolves will return to the Premier League next season after winning the 2017/18 Championship.
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