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NIGERIA

Seriously ill Nigeria goalkeeper inspiring Super Eagles

Ailing Carl Ikeme is providing the inspiration for his team-mates ahead of a key 2018 World Cup qualifier against African champions Cameroon.

AFP
Carl Ikeme (Wolves)
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Seriously ill Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is inspiring his team-mates ahead of a key 2018 World Cup qualifier at African champions Cameroon Monday.

The 31-year-old shot-stopper was diagnosed with acute leukaemia during a routine medical at English second-tier club Wolverhampton Wanderers three months ago.

"We pledged to win this match for Carl," said Germany-born Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr after a 4-0 rout of Cameroon in Uyo this weekend.

"He is in my thoughts and those of the coaches, players and officials all the time. I believe he will inspire us in Cameroon."

With Ikeme hospitalised in England and South Africa-based reserve Daniel Akpeyi injured, local Ikechukwu Ezenwa dealt capably with the limited threats from well-policed Cameroon.

Super Eagles Russia bound

Nigeria are sitting pretty in Group B -- branded the "group of death" -- with a maximum nine points from three matches.

Zambia have four, Cameroon two and Algeria, the most impressive African side at the 2014 World cup in Brazil, only one.

Nigeria can become the first African qualifiers for the World Cup in Russia if they triumph in Yaounde and Zambia do not win in Algeria 24 hours later.

Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo pulls up his jersey to show his tshirt reading "thank u Jesus" after scoring a goal against Cameroon during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying football match between Nigeria and Cameroon at Godswill Akpabio International Stad
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Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo pulls up his jersey to show his tshirt reading "thank u Jesus" after scoring a goal against Cameroon during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying football match between Nigeria and Cameroon at Godswill Akpabio International StadPIUS UTOMI EKPEIAFP

Rohr hopes current and former Chelsea players Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel can replicate the form that helped humiliate Cameroon in Uyo.

"Mikel is our leader and demonstrated that against Cameroon," said the coach about the China-based playmaker who scored the second goal against the "Indomitable Lions".

"I was pleasantly surprised because he has played very little football for about six months. His efforts meant a lot to the team."

Lions set to miss WC 2018 

Belgium-born Cameroon coach Hugo Broos accepts that Cameroon are set to miss the 2018 World Cup having dropped seven points in three matches.

"Only a miracle can rescue us," he admitted. "We would have to win our remaining three matches and hope Nigeria lose their last three. I do not think that is possible.

"But we have to defend our honour. If the players have the same attitude as me, we will fight to beat Nigeria."