There was news last year at this time that Nigeria were looking to cap Newcastle’s Shola Ameobi, and choose him in the squad for last January’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) but it didn’t happen – and would you believe the exact same thing is happening now for this January’s AFCON, to take place in South Africa.
Shola Ameobi could get a call from Nigeria
After the Ivory Coast qualified for the AFCON by beating Senegal 6-2 on aggregate on Saturday, Newcastle fans were pleased we would not be losing our two top strikers Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse in January and some of February.
We’ll lose Cheick Tiote, although we seem to have adequate replacements, but it could be that our 3rd striker will be in the Nigerian squad in South Africa.
Shola was born in Zaria, Nigeria in 1981 and qualifies to play for the country, since he’ never been capped at the full International level by England in a competitive game, even though he played 20 times for the England U21 side.
Nigeria’s head coach, Stephen Keshi, says he is considering selecting Shola, who turned 31 last Friday, for the tournament that starts in January.
This is what Keshi said about Newcastle’s 6’2″ striker:
“Shola’s a good striker, and he has a chance to be on the plane to South Africa.” “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 Victor Anichebe in my striking plans.”
If Keshi selects Shola there’s little Newcastle can do, even though this will the third AFCON in four years, and it takes Premier League players away from their clubs right in the middle of the season.
We have to hope that Keshi decides not to pick Shola, and we think if it’s between Shola and Victor Anichebe, he’ll go with the Everton striker who is only 24, and could be one for the future.
What do you think?
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12 comments so far
jesperfuglsang
Oct 16, 2012 at 9:52 AM
Comment #1I don’t like to jinx Ameobi as this point – the kid has been through enough and the last time Nigeria thought about calling him up he got injured once again!
…I think he’s close to have used his nine lives 🙂
jesperfuglsang
Oct 16, 2012 at 9:53 AM
Comment #2* as = at
Dannyo
Oct 16, 2012 at 9:55 AM
Comment #3@jesper
The Krul scenario is also likely ofc 🙂
jesperfuglsang
Oct 16, 2012 at 10:02 AM
Comment #4Dannyo…I don’t like the idea of it 🙁 but he is creating a very good name for himself at this point.
…hope we can keep him for the foreseeable future 🙂 (knock on wood)
WWYCD
Oct 16, 2012 at 10:05 AM
Comment #5Say it aint so Shola the England call up is coming
Dannyo
Oct 16, 2012 at 10:07 AM
Comment #6@wwycd
With Hodgson in charge, that call up has never been closer 🙂
WWYCD
Oct 16, 2012 at 10:09 AM
Comment #7Dannyo
Exactly haha maybe we can convince Shola of this aswel that way he wont bog off and get crocked at the ACoNs because we all know its going to happen
jesperfuglsang
Oct 16, 2012 at 10:16 AM
Comment #8Yo & Dannyo…I think Hodgson has stated that the tall clumsy Crouch is too old for England 🙂
…Ameobi might just be too old and too chronically injured!
jawballsaswallwell
Oct 16, 2012 at 10:22 AM
Comment #9If he’s good enough for Newcastle, he’s good enough for Nigeria. They shouilda picked him years ago.
WWYCD
Oct 16, 2012 at 10:27 AM
Comment #10jesper
Nar thats all talk to keep Crouch down Shola is a cert for the world cup squad 😉
derekm
Oct 16, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Comment #11good luck to shola – name me one time he has ever stepped out of line or spat the dummy – nile mate, hope you are reading this
geordiemacc
Oct 16, 2012 at 6:55 PM
Comment #12Shola is a legend. As mentioned before he puts in a shift when asked, doesn’t spit his dummy out slays the mackems…. Actually, if I mentioned the mackem slaying part first the rest of my speech wouldnt have needed saying. Nuff said.