The Nigeria Football Federation have announced plans to send Carl Ikeme on a coaching course and ultimately offer him a role as a member of the Super Eagles’ coaching team.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper on Friday announced that he has quit the game after consulting medical experts as he continues his recovery from cancer.
In a statement signed by its general secretary Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF stated plans to offer Ikeme a role once he earns the required coaching credentials.
“The NFF will find the resources to send Carl Ikeme on a coaching course, and afterwards absorb him into the technical crew of the Super Eagles,” Sanusi announced.
“That is the least we can do for such a dedicated patriot. He was an embodiment of absolute dedication, commitment and patriotic fervour in the games that he played for the Super Eagles.
“The circumstances of his retirement from the game are somewhat depressing, even as we thank God for his life.”
The latest gesture from the governing body comes on the back of a massive show of love from Nigerians in the aftermath of Ikeme’s decision to hang up his gloves after 14 years as a professional.
If all goes as planned, Ikeme will toe the line of retired Nigeria international goalkeepers such as Joe Erico, Amusa Adisa, Ike Shorunmu and Alloy Agu to have worked as members of the Super Eagles’ coaching crew.