Carl Ikeme’s retirement a blow to Super Eagles, says Ike Shorunmu

Former Super Eagles goalkeepers’ trainer, Ike Shorunmu has described the early retirement of Nigeria’s number one shot stopper, Carl Ikeme from professional football as a big blow to the country.

He also believes the development has opened the doors for other goalkeepers to work hard to cover the vacuum created by Ikeme’s absence from the team.

Ikeme retired from professional football last week apparently on doctors advise after successfully battling acute leukemia.

Shorunmu, who worked with Ikeme briefly, said the 32-year-old Wolvehampton Wanderers goaltender always galvanised players and coaches in every game he mounted the sticks.

The former Eagles goalkeeper, however, called on football loving Nigerians to see Ikeme’s retirement as a means to preserve his life, adding that the keeper has more goals to achieve in his future endeavours.

“It is a pity Ikeme has to retire from football this early. The doctors told him to abstain from strenuous activities.

Thank God we did not lose him. Ikeme is still around to contribute his own quota in any capacity.

The Eagles goalkeeper performed well during his short stint with the Super Eagles.