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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20837882

Shola Ameobi 'not going' to Africa Cup of Nations

 

Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi will not be going to the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, according to his manager Alan Pardew.

 

The former England under-21 international had been named by coach Stephen Keshi in his provisional squad.

 

But Pardew has ruled out the 31-year-old's appearance at the tournament, which kicks off on 19 January.

 

He said: "Shola won't be going. The national team manager knows the reasons, which I am keeping to myself."

 

Ameobi was born in Zaria, northern Nigeria, before moving to England with his parents at the age of five.

 

Under Fifa rules, players who have represented one country at junior level can play for another at senior level if they meet the qualifying criteria.

 

Ameobi was first called-up by the Super Eagles 10 years ago but turned down the invitation on the grounds that his heart was set on playing for England.

 

He was cleared by Fifa to play for the country of his birth last month together with Chelsea winger Victor Moses.

 

He made his debut in a 3-1 friendly win over Venezuela last month, setting up the third goal in Miami, Florida.

 

Nigeria will take on African champions Zambia, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso in Group C.

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Alan Pardew quotes reported by the BBC, Dec 24th:

"Shola (Ameobi) won't be going (to the African Cup of Nations). The national team manager knows the reasons, which I am keeping to myself."

 

Shola Ameobi quotes reported by the BBC, Dec 8th:

"Every professional player loves to play at major tournaments and I'm no different. You can call me a late bloomer at international level but I'm grateful to God for this big opportunity.

 

"The African Cup of Nations is what the European Championship is to others - so it will be a dream come true to represent my motherland.

 

"This is a big chance and I know this is the closest for me. Hopefully, I can live that dream when and if selected.

 

"I need to earn it because the are several players out there equally deserving of that chance to represent a country like Nigeria. There's always that healthy rivalry to fight for a place - you just need to keep giving your best and hope to stay fit and healthy.

 

"The club is still in Europe and Nigeria is preparing for a big tournament. It's a big honour to be considered by both."

 

The obvious interpretation of that Pardew quote is that he cannot afford to be without a striker, because he's resigned to losing one during January - and we don't mean Nile Ranger...

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I wish Pardew would just stop talking. I beginning to wonder if his ego is even bigger than the slobs is at WHAM.

 

I was about to say this in another thread, I get that he wants to be more 'open' with the fans but every day it's just excuse after excuse of why this hasn't worked or why that hasn't worked. It might help if he had a look at himself and the style of play he's implementing on the team.

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Yeah he should stop doing pre and post match press conferences ignore the media in every single way, not answer a single question at all ever.

 

Or he could use his mouth to speak instead of his arse. Radical, I know.

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Yeah he should stop doing pre and post match press conferences ignore the media in every single way, not answer a single question at all ever.

 

Or he could use his mouth to speak instead of his arse. Radical, I know.

 

But somebody asked Dave, it's inevitable. :lol:

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