Semi-professional English club Wednesfield FC have honoured a grateful Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme with a stand at their ground.Ikeme, 31, was recently diagnosed with acute leukaemia, a form of cancer of the blood that could affect his career long-term, if not end it.

The non-league club, based in Wolverhampton, the same as Ikeme’s club Wolverhampton Wanderers, unveiled their plans to name a stand in the Super Eagles star’s name to raise funds earlier on Wednesday.

“Wednesday night we entertain @WolvesUtd1 (Wolverhampton United, another non-league club) – We will officially open and re-name our new stand in support of @Carl_Ikeme of @Wolves,” Wednesfield FC had tweeted Wednesday afternoon.

“We’d hoped to sell the naming of the Stand to raise funds, however it was felt support of @Carl_Ikeme was worth much much more

“Kick off will be 7.30pm – we will charge £3 entry, all monies will go to @CureLeukaemia.”

Touched by the gesture, Ikeme replied to Wednesfield FC’s tweet: “Thanks for the support guys . Can’t tell u how much I appreciate it.”

Report by Miyen Akiri