Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi has explained why he had to turn down selection with Nigeria for their successful African Cup of Nations campaign.
Ameobi is now on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup with the Super Eagles.
He told the Daily Mail: "I gave my word when I signed my contract that when Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba had to go, that meant I couldn't. I felt the fact that I missed the Africa Cup of Nations would cost me a World Cup place.
"Newcastle didn't want me to go. I was disappointed not to play, but I am a man of my word and I had to stand by what I said."
