Nigeria go for Newcastle striker Ameobi

Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi is a World Cup target for Nigeria.

The Mirror says Ameobi, 28, has represented England at Under-21 level but is eligible to play for Nigeria after being born and spending the first six years of his life in the African country.

Nigerian FA chiefs have tried to call him up in the past and Ameobi admits he would jump at the chance to represent the country at next summer’s World Cup and the African Nations 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.

“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.

“Playing at the World Cup is the pinnacle of any player’s career. It’s what you dream of and if I can do that with Nigeria then that would be fantastic for me.

“They have been in touch before to see whether I was interested. In the past, I chose not to so I could concentrate on helping Newcastle.

“But 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.

“As I say, Nigeria is the country of my birth and if the coach is open to it then it’s something I would love to do, at the African Nations Cup and the World Cup.”