After we reported on Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Venezuela on Wednesday night in Miami, we said we’ll just have to wait and see if Shola Ameobi’s second half substitute performance was good enough to get him into the Nigerian squad for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) beginning in January, and from what the coach is saying today, it could be that’s exactly what Shola has done.
Shola Ameobi – in action on Wednesday nigh for Nigeria
That’s good news and bad news – good news for Shola who has said he wants to play at the International level, and certainly bad news for Newcastle, as we’ll be without Shola for January and some of February, depending on how Nigeria far in the tournament.
The Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi has talked about Shola’s 30-minute appearance in his debut on Wednesday night, and Shola made the third goal for the Nigerians, which came in added time.
Keshi has come out and said that Shola was awesome
“Shola was awesome from the moment he got onto the pitch. He showed his experience in the game and even when he was provoked his calmness was amazing.”
“He was talking to the other players on what to do at a time we were under pressure and he was resilient, we sure need his experience for big tournaments.”
“Look at the way and manner he shielded the ball, evaded being brought down before passing to Onazi for our third goal, Shola is a special player.”
That will give Shola a great boost and certainly he’s playing very well at Newcastle and his massive experience is there for all to see.
But Newcastle will already lose Cheick Tiote to the AFCON, with Cheick representing the Ivory Coast, and now one of our three experienced strikers will apparently also be missing.
But with only Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse available, and Ba may even leave the club in January, this may force Newcastle to bring in a new striker, and early in the transfer window too.
As we said earlier, this is both good news and bad news, but Shola is now showing all of his massive experience in his play for Newcastle United this season – and apparently for Nigeria too.
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19 comments so far
Toon_Jock
Nov 16, 2012 at 9:08 AM
Comment #1Good for you Shola HWTL
beddersmag
Nov 16, 2012 at 9:08 AM
Comment #2Personally pleased for him but i had hoped his loyalty to the toon might have made him decide not to pursue this. Particularly after he played england u21s but hey ho sounds like he did ok so at least bit more interest in the tournament for us
Transfer Sage
Nov 16, 2012 at 9:10 AM
Comment #3Representing your country should be seen as your highest honour.
It is in every other sport where the money isn’t so significant for domestic games.
Just imagine if Senegal had qualified too. We would be stuck.
Indian Magpie
Nov 16, 2012 at 9:12 AM
Comment #4what was the good News
beddersmag
Nov 16, 2012 at 9:13 AM
Comment #5On our current form: im putting most the blame on the players and not pardew. Cisse has simply been a passenger, as has cabaye for many games. Tiote has been unable to make a simple pass, and thats when hes been available. Injuries have not helped but time to step up guys, we need you at the top level to maintain last seasons form.
beddersmag
Nov 16, 2012 at 9:16 AM
Comment #6Transfer
Not really his country though is it?
TorqToon
Nov 16, 2012 at 9:22 AM
Comment #7Big congrats to Shola ! Well deserved! Years of being overlooked but this country forced him to play for Nigeria.
And fair play to the lad!
Fat_Robbo
Nov 16, 2012 at 9:25 AM
Comment #8At least he will be back for our home game against the mackems in April
Rotonda heights
Nov 16, 2012 at 9:30 AM
Comment #9bedders
so you do admit someone needs blaming.
Pardew picks the team and formation.
He’s had 15+ games including the last 4 of last season to see Cisse and Ba don’t work in a 442, or to realise Cabs is better in a middle 3 and Benny in a free role .
At what point does stubborness become plain stupidity?
Honoured2BNUFC
Nov 16, 2012 at 9:53 AM
Comment #10Beddersmag he was born there his parents are from there. Pretty sure his entire lineage is from Nigeria. So I’m pretty sure its his country.
Ian Magpie
Nov 16, 2012 at 9:58 AM
Comment #11Well done Shola! I guess wether Ashleigh likes it of not, he is going to have to spend some money in January if he is to be taken seriously about us climbing the league!
toonarmydownsouth
Nov 16, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Comment #12Good on ya shola well deserved!!!
josh
Nov 16, 2012 at 10:17 AM
Comment #13Indian-knob. Well done shola lad, chuffed to see him playing for his country.
south coast toon
Nov 16, 2012 at 10:17 AM
Comment #14good on him, hes been loyal to newcastle a good role model, and deserves any credit he can get, he looks alot better player of late, another international at newcastle
croftus5678
Nov 16, 2012 at 10:19 AM
Comment #15aye agree well done shola after years and years ….and years of thinking this lad was pony over the last few seasons he’s shown what a good player he really is and has won me over.
still do not think he’s a 90mins man but he has learnt how to hold up and use his strength.
looking at nigeria team a well earned call up and regular international for the lad…just sorry it did not happen earlier in his career maybe he would have been better at a younger age for us by now.
ShanghaiMag
Nov 16, 2012 at 3:00 PM
Comment #16Good for him. Nigeria as always a contender for the ACON, and it would be fantastic for him if he would win some silverware.
beddersmag
Nov 16, 2012 at 5:08 PM
Comment #17Honoured
Was expecting that. So he lives in england most his life, speaks geordie english, and plays for england u21s. He’s english man. Or you saying hes nigerian?
nico
Nov 16, 2012 at 8:24 PM
Comment #18I am completly against Shola playing for Nigeria. He is English and played for Eng U12s. What a load of rubbish going off to play for them
nico
Nov 16, 2012 at 8:25 PM
Comment #19I mean U21s