Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has spoken candidly about the one wound from his football career that time has not fully healed — missing Nigeria's 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign in Russia because of a leukemia diagnosis.

Speaking to Brila FM, Ikeme said his inability to represent the Super Eagles at major tournaments is the single aspect of his career he wishes had been different. "My regret in my football career is not representing Nigeria more and not going to major competitions with the team," he said. "I should have been at the World Cup, unfortunately we know why I could not make it. It has always been that thing in me. I have no regrets about football but that is the only thing that burns me."

A diagnosis that changed everything

Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukemia in July 2017 while on pre-season duty with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The discovery cut short what had been a steady rise as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper. He underwent treatment, and in 2018, after doctors confirmed he was in complete remission, he officially retired from professional football.

His absence during that period left the Super Eagles without a settled No. 1 in goal for several years. It was not until Stanley Nwabali emerged that Nigeria found a reliable first-choice option between the posts again.

A short but significant international career

Ikeme earned 10 caps for Nigeria between 2015 and 2017. During that spell, he featured in key Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifying matches as the Super Eagles rebuilt under a succession of coaches following Vincent Enyeama's departure from the international scene.

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Nigeria were eliminated at the group stage — a campaign Ikeme had hoped to be central to. Instead, he watched from afar, his dreams of a first major tournament appearance cut short by illness beyond his control.

Ikeme's story remains one of the most poignant in Nigerian football — a reminder of how abruptly a career can change, and how deeply the game lives inside those who dedicate their lives to it.