Ikeme Reveals Biggest Career Regret With Super Eagles

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has revealed that his biggest regret in football is not representing Nigeria more often and missing major international tournaments with the national team.

Ikeme, who earned 10 international caps for Nigeria, said the inability to feature for the Super Eagles at major competitions remains the one aspect of his career he wishes had been different.

Not Representing Nigeria More is My Regret

Reflecting on his international career, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper said missing the 2018 FIFA World Cup remains particularly painful.

“My regret in my football career is not representing Nigeria more and not going to major competitions with the team.

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 was part of the Nigeria setup during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and had established himself as an important goalkeeper for both club and country before his playing career was brought to an abrupt end.

Leukaemia Forced Early Retirement

The former Wolves goalkeeper was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017 after returning to the club for pre-season training.

He subsequently underwent treatment and announced his retirement from professional football in 2018 after doctors confirmed that he was in complete remission.

His illness ruled him out of Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign in Russia. The Super Eagles were eliminated in the group stage after finishing third in Group D behind Croatia and Argentina, with Iceland finishing fourth.

For Ikeme, the missed tournament remains a significant part of his international career that he wishes he could have experienced, despite looking back on his football journey without broader regrets.