Ameobi Gets International Call-Up!

The 31-year-old is one of 11 Europe-based players named by the Nigeria coach for a friendly match against Venezuela next week in Miami, Florida.

Wednesday’s match at Marlins Park is one of a number of games meant to prepare the two-time African champions for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa, starting on January 19.

Despite never making a senior appearance for Nigeria, he has had some experience on the international stage. Ameobi had a three-year spell with England’s under-21 team, netting seven goals between 2000 and 2003, and is the joint eighth highest goal scorer for the under-21s. However, in late 2009, Ameobi declared his interest in playing for Nigeria.

ALL THE FOREIGN-BASED PROS:

Goalkeeper: Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga, Portugal); Apam Onyekachi (Nice FC, France)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Raheem Lawal (Adana Demirspor, Turkey)

Forwards: Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Obafemi Martins (Levante FC, Spain)

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