Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, has retired from professional football after a 12-month battle with acute leukaemia.
Last month Ikeme, 32, announced on Twitter he was in complete remission from the disease after “a tough year and intense chemotherapy.”
But after a consultation with medical experts, he has decided to call time on his career.
Ikeme, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers as a 14-year-old, has made more than 200 appearances for the club.
He has 10 international caps for Nigeria, who named him as their 24th squad member for the World Cup this year as a special tribute.
“I can’t risk trying to come back, my health is the main thing in all of this,” Ikeme told Wolves’ official website.
“It’s difficult when you look at all the things you’ve gone through in your football career, but in the grand scheme of things, with your life in danger, it’s a minimum price I have to pay to spend time with my family.”
Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi said: “Having been at the club since the age of 14, Carl is far more than just a player in our eyes – he is our brother and an important part of our family.
“When Carl came to tell us his news, yes there was sadness, but also great happiness to see him so healthy and hungry for the opportunities that lay ahead of him.
“Carl is strong, a fighter, something he has proven in his playing career and also during what has been a very challenging time for him, so I have no doubt he will be a success in whatever he does next.
“We wish Carl all the very best for the future, but remind him he will always remain a part of the Wolves family.”
