Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi could be in line for a World Cup call-up with African giants Nigeria.
Ameobi, 28 has played for England at Under-21 level but is eligible to play for Nigeria, as he was born there and spent the first six years of his life in the African country.
The Nigerian FA have tried to call up the forward in the past, and Ameobi admits he would now jump at the opportunity to represent the country at next summer’s World Cup and the African Nations Cup in January.
World governing body FIFA have changed the rules on players changing nationalities and Ameobi is eligible to play for Nigeria. The magpies’ striker claims his mum Margaret and dad John would love to see him play at the World Cup.
Ameobi said: “It was a great honour for me to represent England at Under-21 level and my mum and dad were so proud of me.
“But they would love to see me play for Nigeria. I see myself as Nigerian; I was born and bred there.
He continued: “It’s not about changing allegiances. I’ve got Nigerian roots and I’m proud of my country, the country where I was born and spent the first five or six years of my life. I have reached a stage in my career where I would love to play international football and realistically it’s not going to happen with England.”
Ameobi has already discussed the idea with his former team-mate Obafemi Martins whose goals helped Nigeria clinch their World Cup place at the weekend.
Ameobi was in excellent form for Newcastle before injury curtailed his goal scoring form, even though the Toon remain on course for promotion.
