Nigeria keeps Wolves' Carl Ikeme going
Sidelined Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme admits his escapades for Nigeria have 'kept him going' in recent months.
He's made just three Championship appearances this season with Arsenal loanee Emiliano Martinez largely preferred in goal by boss Kenny Jackett.
Ikeme's last league match came in August but, since then he has played four times for Nigeria as he launches a belated international career aged 29.
With an African Cup of Nations and a World Cup coming up in the next three years, Ikeme has a new focus which he admitted was good timing, as he endures a frustrating time on the bench at Wolves.
He told the Express & Star: "I'm really enjoying it. I've not been able to play that much with Wolves this season so getting a few games for Nigeria has kept me going really.
"It's been a really welcome boost. Obviously I've not been playing much, it's not easy, so it gives me a week or 10-day break to go away and give me something else to focus on."
The popular shot-stopper has played Nigeria's last four matches, keeping two clean sheets.
He earned his first call up for the Super Eagles – managed by legendary former midfielder Sunday Oliseh – in September.
Ikeme admits playing for a football-mad country of 170 million people has been a 'special experience.'
With long-time No 1 Vincent Enyeama retiring from international football earlier this month, Ikeme has an opportunity to claim the jersey for the foreseeable future.
He said: "Hopefully, I can establish myself. I'm not sure about the situation with Vincent, if I get to play it's an honour and, hopefully, I can continue to build on the first four games.
"Obviously everyone dreams of playing in the African Cup of Nations or a World Cup and, ultimately, that is the aim.
"But, at the moment, I'm just concentrating on the next matches in November."
