How Eagles Can Qualify For 2014 World Cup —Ameobi

Having played his second game for Nigeria against Malawi in Calabar, Cross River State last Saturday, Shola Ameobi, a player of Newcastle United of England, has words of advice for the Super Eagles if they want to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by Brazil.

Ameobi, who was cleared by FIFA to play for Nigeria on 1 November, 2011 and had his debut against Venezuela on 14 November, 2012 told P.M.NEWS Sports after the game against the Flames of Malawi that though the Eagles have a good coach in Stephen Keshi and the potential in the players, the team must be focus and play with determination in the two-legged playoffs for the World Cup in October and November this year.

Ameobi, a late substitute in the 2-0 win over Malawi on Saturday, who scored a 53rd minute goal for Nigeria in an international friendly against Burkina Faso in Kaduna on Tuesday, said that with what he saw in the Eagles against Malawi, the team must up their game in the playoffs to secure the World Cup ticket.

“Honestly this team are great, said Ameobi, who was born in Zaria to a family from Ijumu Local Government Area in modern day Kogi State “This squad can give Nigeria the World Cup ticket the nation is looking forward to. I think with the playoffs coming up very soon. I expect the players to up their game especially if we are given a tough team.

“The players’ attitude in this match was good. I will only advise that the players see playing for the country as a patriotic duty which must be done with zeal and determination. The team must prepare very hard because the World Cup playoffs will be litmus tests for the Eagles,” he said.

Ameobi, who played in the 2006 UEFA Intertoto Cup in the colours of Newcastle was so excited with the opportunity Keshi gave him to dorn the white green white colours of Nigeria, saying that this is an opportunity which he would try his best possible not to disappoint the coach.

“I’m so glad playing for the Super Eagles again. This is an opportunity which I will continue to cherish anytime the coach calls me for any international duty. The coach and the rest of the team are wonderful people. They made me feel comfortable. I’m also excited with the support the Eagles received in Calabar. The whole stadium was electrified with the cheers from the spectators. This is a good one for the team,” said Ameobi who said he regretted not making Nigerian team to the last Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa because of a clause in his Newcastle contract.

—Taiwo Adelu