Super Eagles Of Nigeria and Wolves FC of England goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is to begin chemotherapy after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia, BBC Sport reports.
The Championship club say Ikeme, 31, returned “abnormal blood tests” during pre-season testing and further checks confirmed the diagnosis.
Ikeme has been with Wolves for his entire career, making more than 200 appearances for Wanderers.
The Nigeria Football Federation expressed their sadness over the development.
“Our thoughts are with Carl at this difficult period. The NFF and the football fraternity in Nigeria are taken aback by this sad development, knowing how strong Carl has been in goal for Nigeria since he made his debut in 2015,” NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said in a statement.
Football clubs, players and team-mates of Ikeme, past and present, have been offering their support to the goalkeeper on social media.
Striker Nouha Dicko wrote, “No words can express how I feel right now. I love you Carl. We are all with you, you are a strong man, a strong wolf. Stay strong bro.”
Winger Jordan Graham wrote, “Kemes – you’re like a second father to me. The love I have for you I can’t even put into words. Stay strong we are ALL with you bro!”
