BBC Sport reports that Wolves and Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is to begin chemotherapy after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia. 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. Thirty-three of those came last season, having previously been in the team that won the League One title in 2013-14.
“It would be an understatement to say that everyone at Wolves has been shocked and saddened to hear the news of Carl’s diagnosis,” said Wolves managing director Laurie Dalrymple. 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.”
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!”