Shola Ameobi set for Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations call-up

Oct 15, 2012 9:40:00 PM

The Magpies could lose the striker next year, with the long-serving forward being considered for inclusion by the Super Eagles' head coach

Newcastle United forward Shola Ameobi could be drafted into the Nigeria squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, according to the Super Eagles' head coach Stephen Keshi.

The 31-year-old was born in Nigeria but raised in England, and has spent all of his club career at St James' Park.

Despite playing for the England Under-21 side, the towering target man has never been capped for the senior side, and is therefore eligible to represent the Super Eagles.

Newcastle looked to have avoided losing any of their strikeforce with Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba not competing following Senegal's elimination at the hands of the Ivory Coast.

However, Alan Pardew could still lose one of his attackers if Ameobi declares an interest in representing the country of his birth, with the Nigeria head coach admitting he would be prepared to draft the striker into his squad.

"Shola is a good striker and he has a chance to be on the plane to South Africa," head-coach Keshi told Sky Sports.

"I've been watching him closely and he's got something unique. He will definitely bring something different to the attack.

"I have Shola and [Everton's] Victor Anichebe in my striking plans."

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