9th October, 2013
Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi has dismissed speculation over his fitness ahead of Sunday’s 2014 World Cup play-off in Ethiopia.
Ameobi received a knock during a friendly against Burkina Faso last month and there were huge doubts about his availability for the qualifier in Addis Ababa.
“I worked really hard to ensure that I am fit for this game and I can tell you that I am fully fit for the encounter. I am happy to be here,” said Ameobi, who was the last arrival at the Nigeria training camp in Abuja on Wednesday due to a flight hitch.
The Newcastle frontman added that Nigeria were fired up for their bid to qualify for a fifth World Cup.
“We don’t need any extra motivation whatsoever to beat Ethiopia. Every player in this squad knows the importance of being at the World Cup and I think that is the motivation we need to do our country proud,” he said.
“Everybody has tipped us to win the game but we must remember that Ethiopia are not pushovers.
“They topped their group like we topped ours and they want to be at the World Cup like we want, but we would go there and give our best for our country ensure that the result is favourable.”