Super Eagles’ England-based goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is to begin chemotherapy after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia, according to media reports in London on Thursday. The 31-year-old player of Championship side Wolves was said to have returned “abnormal blood tests” during pre-season testing and further checks were also said to have confirmed the diagnosis. Ikeme has been with Wolves for his entire career, making more than 200 appearances for the club.

Thirty-three of those were recorded last season, having previously been in the team that won the League One title in 2013/2014. “It would be an understatement to say that everyone at Wolves has been shocked and saddened to hear the news of Carl’s diagnosis,” the club’s managing director, Laurie Dalrymple, said.

“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.’’

Football clubs in England, as well as players and team-mates of Ikeme, past and present, have been offering their support to the goalkeeper on social media.

NAN