By Amaechi Agbo

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme has auctioned the last jersey he wore playing for Nigeria during the 2018 Russia World Cup qualifiers in order to raise fund to send relief to vulnerable Nigerians during the coronavirus pandemic, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

Ikeme, widely tipped to replace his successor in the post, Vincent Enyeama retired from football after being diagnosed with Leukemia in England.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers goal tender however have for long recovered from the illness.

In a statement on his Go Fund Me Page weekend, Ikeme acknowledged the hard times everyone is passing through in view of the ravaging coronavirus also referred to as COVID-19

He said the auctioning of the jersey is £10 a raffle, adding that anyone donating £20 will have 2 names in the draw

The Anambra state born goalie said that the proceed from the draw will be sent to Motherless children’s homes and babies in Onitsha and Umunna in the state

He further said that he would also be looking to support other causes in Nigeria where by the money raised will go directly to the people that need it.

Ikeme’s target is to raise £750 for the relief

“Thank you for taking the time to read my go fund me page. During this crisis I have been thinking of a way to raise funds for a few charities me and my family feel strongly about at this time.

“While we have all been affected in different ways by this lockdown, I have been worryingly aware of how the impact has really affected Nigeria.

“Unfortunately state aid is hard to come by. Hunger and poverty could hit just as hard as the virus with people unable to leave there (their) house to make ends meet.

“I’m auctioning my Nigeria shirt from the World Cup qualifier against Zambia. This was also my final game in a Super Eagles shirt!! The funds will help to buy vital supplies for The Motherless children and babies in Onitsha and Umunna in south Onitsha. I will also be looking to support other causes in Nigeria where by the money raised will go directly to the people that need it.

“It’s £10 a raffle, anyone donating £20 will have 2 names in the draw and so on.

“The money raised will help buy food and other vital supplies needed in Nigeria. 2 different motherless children and baby homes will be benefiting from money raised along with others in need.

“Weʼre raising £750 to fumd Nigeria relief
Emergencies

“Thank u (you)! I know it’s a tough time even if it’s just a retweet to raise awareness 🙏🏽

“Thank you for your support,” he said

Carl Ikeme was first called up to the Super Eagles squad in March 2007 by then manager Berti Vogts, who named a 37-man provisional squad for a 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Uganda that introduced other foreign-born players such as Gabriel Agbonlahor and Toto Tamuz.

He made his international debut for Nigeria on 5 September 2015 against Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification game.

Ikeme made three appearances early on in Nigeria’s successful qualification campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup , but could not go to the final tournament due to his cancer treatment, which manager Gernot Rohr called his greatest regret.

He had 10 caps for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Champions.