Debut thrills Ameobi

Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi was delighted with his international debut forNigeria as they beatVenezuela inFlorida on Wednesday.

“It’s my first game, I just feel honoured to play international football,” he told BBC Sport.

Ameobi earned special praises from fans and officials after helping set-up the third goal and the 31-year-old insists he has nothing but respect for his team-mates.

“We played good and made life hard for them,” he said.

“It was nothing personal, we fought hard and gave our everything.

“They had great support here but we took the game to them. The lads were superb and I’m delighted to have contributed to a good win.”