NFF Offer Ikeme Super Eagles Role

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it will send veteran goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, on a coaching course, as part of plans to honour the former Super Eagles shot-stopper.

In a statement signed by Mohammed Sanusi, secretary general of the NFF, on Sunday, the federation said it will also absorb retired goalkeeper into the technical crew of the Super Eagles.

On Friday, Ikeme announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32, after long battle with acute leukemia.

“The Nigeria Football Federation will find the resources to send him on a coaching course, and afterwards absorb him into the technical crew of the Super Eagles,” Sanusi said.

“That is the least we can do for such a dedicated patriot.

“Carl Ikeme was an embodiment of absolute dedication, commitment and patriotic fervour in the games that he played for the Super Eagles.

“The circumstances of his retirement from the game are somewhat depressing, even as we thank God for his life.

“A few weeks ago, he had spoken on phone with the NFF president Amaju Melvin Pinnick, to intimate him on his (Ikeme’s) desire to retire.

“Even though he was sad about, the NFF president commended his fighting spirit and respected his decision, and also said he would rather allow the player or his club to break the news.”