Ikeme: Missing 2018 World Cup Remains Biggest Career Regret

Ikeme Says Missing 2018 World Cup Remains Biggest Career Regret

Sampson Adedeji

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has described missing the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Nigeria as the biggest regret of his football career, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Ikeme, who was forced to step away from the game after being diagnosed with acute leukemia, said he wished he had the opportunity to represent Nigeria more before his career came to an abrupt end.

 "My regret in my football career is not representing Nigeria more. I should have been at the World Cup. Unfortunately, we know why I could not make it.

"I have no regrets about football, but that is the only thing that still burns me," Ikeme said.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper was diagnosed with acute leukemia in 2017 while preparing for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, ruling him out of Nigeria's campaign in Russia.

After a courageous battle with the illness, Ikeme announced his retirement from professional football in July 2018 at the age of 32.

Despite earning widespread admiration for his resilience on and off the pitch, the former Super Eagles shot-stopper says missing the chance to feature at the FIFA World Cup remains the one regret that continues to stay with him.