Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is set for talks with Shola Ameobi after the striker revealed he is keen to play for Nigeria.
Hughton fears his promotion-chasing side could be without Ameobi for six weeks in the New Year if he is selected in Nigeria’s squad for the African Nations Cup.
Ex-England Under 21 international Ameobi was born in Nigeria but under FIFA rules he is eligible to play for the African outfit in the World Cup. But Nigeria may want to take a look at him before next summer’s finals and include Ameobi for the African Nations campaign which starts in January.
Ameobi is on his way back after three months out with a broken foot, and Hughton said: “Shola started the season very well. Providing he can get back into his stride, I would expect him to have a big part to play for us.
“I have been made aware that he is keen to play for Nigeria but I need to speak to him. Of course I can understand any player wanting to play in the World Cup, but we need to talk about it.”
Ameobi added: “Realistically, I am not going to play international football for England, but if I could do that with Nigeria it would be fantastic. Playing in the World Cup is the pinnacle of anyone’s career.”
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