Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has admitted that his biggest football regret remains his inability to represent Nigeria at major international tournaments before his career was cut short by leukemia.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers shot-stopper revealed that despite enjoying a successful professional career in England, missing out on the opportunity to feature for Nigeria on the biggest stage still weighs heavily on his mind.
Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukemia in July 2017 while preparing for the 2017/18 season with Wolves.
The illness forced him away from football and ultimately led to his retirement in 2019 after he successfully entered complete remission.
Before his diagnosis, the 39-year-old had established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the qualification campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
However, his health battle denied him the chance to be part of the squad that eventually qualified for the tournament.
Reflecting on his career, Ikeme described missing out on representing the Super Eagles at major competitions as the one regret he still carries.
“My regret in my football career is not representing Nigeria more and not going to major competitions with the team,” Ikeme said.
“I should have been at the World Cup, unfortunately we know why I could not make it.
“It has always been that thing in me. I have no regrets about football but that is the only thing that burns me.”
Ikeme earned 10 caps for the Super Eagles between 2015 and 2016 after switching his international allegiance from England, where he represented the country at youth level.
His commanding performances during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign made him a fan favourite before his diagnosis brought his international career to an abrupt end.
Although his playing career ended earlier than expected, Ikeme remains widely respected for the courage and resilience he displayed in overcoming leukemia.
His journey has continued to inspire football fans across Nigeria and beyond, even as he admits that missing the opportunity to represent his country at a FIFA World Cup remains the greatest “what if” of his career.
