Carl Ikeme tribute as Wolves star features in FIFA World Cup game

Ikeme, as announced last week, was named as the honorary 24th member of Nigeria’s World Cup squad as he continues to battle leukaemia.

And FIFA have matched the show of support by the Super Eagles by including him as a player on their official 2018 World Cup game.

Ikeme joins Premier League compatriots such as Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi as being selectable on the official video game.

The inclusion was spotted by fans who took to Twitter.

The fan favourite, aged 31, was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July, sparking an outpouring of support from across the footballing world.

Numerous fundraising drives in aid of the Cure Leukaemia charity have also been organised in the months since.

Nigerian international coach, Gernot Rohr, continued tradition for the African side by selecting him as an extra player.

The nation previously selected former West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie as their unregistered player for their South Korea/Japan 2002 squad.

Ikeme featured during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying success, helping them to the top of their group to book their place in Russia.

Had he been available for this summer’s tournament, the Sutton Coldfield-born stopper, who qualifies for the Super Eagles through his family, would likely have been first-choice keeper for the finals.

Ninety Wolves fans unfurled a huge banner in support of him at Wembley on Saturday during England’s match with Nigeria.

Moroccan midfielder Romain Saiss is the only Wolves player who will be involved in this year’s World Cup.

The 28-year-old, who made 44 appearances in all competitions for the club last season, has been named in his country’s 23-man squad for the competition, which begins on June 14.