Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme inspiring Nigeria to World Cup

The Super Eagles – who drew 1-1 with Cameroon last night – are on course to become the first African nation to reach Russia 2018.

And they will head to their third consecutive finals with Ikeme, who has been diagnosed with leukaemia, at the forefront of their minds.

“We pledged to win this match for Carl,” said Rohr, after their 4-0 win over Cameroon in their reverse fixture on Friday. “He is in my thoughts and those of the coaches, players and officials all the time. I believe he will inspire us in Cameroon.”

Ikeme, who was born in Sutton Coldfield, made his Nigeria debut in 2015 – called up to replace national icon Vincent Enyeama for an African Cup of Nations qualifier.

The shot-stopper can trace his roots to the city of Onitsha in eastern Nigeria, but had spent his entire life abroad – so he thought it was a joke when he initially received a call-up.

But after discovering the truth, Ikeme could not hide his pride.

“My dad was born there and a lot of my family are still in Nigeria, so it would mean something to myself and my whole family,” he said after learning of his impending call-up.

And Ikeme’s stunning debut in a goalless draw with Tanzania immediately won him the hearts of a nation and high praise from African football greats such as Jay-Jay Okocha and ex-Albion striker Nwankwo Kanu.

The latter dramatically claimed after Ikeme’s debut: “It is true that we did not win the match but we gain a son.”

And former Bolton midfielder Okocha added: “He was wonderful. We finally got the keeper we have been waiting for. We know Enyeama will not be around for ever, so it is good that he was discovered now. I wish him well.”

With Enyeama retiring from international football later that year, Ikeme established himself in the squad, going on to earn 10 caps – the most recent in a 2-1 victory over Zambia last October as part of the World Cup qualification process.