AFRICAN WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
Ailing goalkeeper Ikeme inspires Nigeria
Carl Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukaemia three months ago
Ill Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is inspiring his teammates ahead of a key 2018 World Cup qualifier at African champions Cameroon on 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 at the 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 SA-based reserve Daniel Akpeyi injured, local Ikechukwu Ezenwa dealt capably with the limited threats from well-policed Cameroon. 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, only one. Nigeria can become the first Africa...
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