The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it was yet to establish contact with Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia on Thursday.
Ikeme, 31, is expected to stay away from football indefinitely in order to undergo chemotherapy.
As support continues to pour in for the Wolverhampton Wanderers shot-stopper, the NFF has confessed that they’ve been unable to reach the player.
“I called his telephone number several times, but I was unable to speak with him. I have left a message for him,” General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, told The Guardian Friday night.
“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.
“I want to appeal to the media to be very careful with the kind of comments they make concerning Ikeme’s health. What he needs now are comments that will help him overcome the shock.”
Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, meanwhile, has also expressed sadness at the medical report about Ikeme.
“When I heard about it on Thursday, I was thrown off balance. A few days ago, we were celebrating his return from the injury that ruled him out of the game against South Africa in Uyo.
“Sadly, we have been greeted with the disturbing news that this young man is down with another horrible disease.”
Prior to the sad report, Ikeme featured 10 times for the Super Eagles and was already looking forward to the clash with Cameroon next month.
