Ikeme returns in two weeks

Wolverhampton Wanderers shot-stopper, Carl Ikeme, is expected to return to top form in two weeks as he back in training at his club.

Ikeme, in a chat with the Nigerian Football Federation website, is also keen on returning to the national team line up ahead of the double header World Cup qualifying tie against Cameroon.

According to him: “Hopefully, I should be back to full fitness because I have not been able to do too much but I’ve been strong. I have been training hard with the team in the last three weeks. I’m hoping I should be back to normal training in two weeks.

“It’s just disappointing that the injuries are coming at a time when we have the qualifiers. I’m excited though, that I’m returning to fitness and hopefully, I would have an injury-free season.”

Speaking on his road back to fitness, the goalkeeper said: “It’s been slow and tough. It was something I was carrying for a long time. I couldn’t play or train. It took more than a normal hamstring injury. I have been working hard every day with the physios and hopefully, I’m closer to getting back to training.

“We start our pre-season on Monday so hopefully, I can start building up in training and hopefully, I can be available for our games and the Nigeria games coming up as well.”

On the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for Nations Cup after losing their first game against South Africa, Ikeme said: “There are still plenty of games to play to qualify for the Cup of Nations, so we are still confident that we will qualify. We have a good team and a good coach as well, so I’m sure we will be okay.”

– Bowale Odutola