Newcastles’ Shola Ameobi to play in Nigeria friendly against Venezuela

Newcastle's Shola Ameobi to play in Nigeria friendly against Venezuela

Nov 8, 2012 6:45:00 AM

The Magpies’ forward will finally make his Super Eagles debut one year after securing Fifa’s nod to play for his country of birth

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has called up Newcastle United striker, Shola Ameobi to be part of the team that will play against Venezuela in an international friendly in Miami, next week.

Keshi said Ameobi has indicated interest in lacing boots for the Super Eagles now since he and Victor Moses were let off the hooks in England to star for Nigeria last year. Moses has already made his debut and has become a key member of the Nigeria squad.

Keshi disclosed that he had a chat with Ameobi [on Wednesday] morning and he has promised to be in the United States for the Eagles’ friendly against Venezuela on November 14.

Keshi told Goal.com: “Ameobi is excited about playing for the Eagles and he has told me that he might be with us in America.”

Even though Ameobi was born in Nigeria, he has represented England at youth level. He was given the nod by Fifa to switch allegiance to Nigeria last year.

Among the other 11 Europe-based players called up for the encounter is Levante’s Obafemi Martins who has shown great form since leaving Russia for Spain.

Keshi will announce his local squad that will make the trip to Miami at the weekend.

Name	Club
Goalkeeper:
Austin Ejide	Hapoel Be'er Sheva
Defenders:
Elderson Echiejile	FC Braga
Apam Onyekachi	Nice
Midfielders:
John Mikel Obi	Chelsea
Nosa Igiebor	Real Betis
Ogenyi Onazi	Lazio
Raheem Lawal	Adana Demirspor
Forwards:
Brown Ideye	Dynamo Kiev
Victor Moses	Chelsea
Shola Ameobi	Newcastle United
Obafemi Martins	Levante