Ameobi omitted from Nigeria squad

Newcastle appear to have won their battle with the Nigeria Football Federation after Shola Ameobi was left out of the final squad for the African Nations Cup.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew has insisted for several weeks that the 31-year-old striker would not be joining up with his country despite warnings from coach Stephen Keshi that he would demand FIFA took action if he did not.

Nigeria's media officer, Ben Alaiya, told BBC Sport: "Shola's refusal to answer calls gave Keshi no other option than to allow him to concentrate on his club."

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