Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi said he would forgo his summer holiday in his quest to make his debut for the Eagles.

Ameobi is ready to switch allegiance to his fatherland, having represented England at Under_21 level.
The Eagles are due to play Argentina on June and then an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia and Ameobi wants to be available.

Shola Ameobi

“I’ve made my intentions clear to Nigeria. It’s something I’d love to do, and if they pick me, then great.
“I just have to wait and see before the next internationals. Hopefully, it’s something I can achieve in the next couple of months.”

Ameobi was named in the Nigeria squad for a February friendly against Guatemala in the United States, but he was forced to withdraw after fracturing his cheekbone in United’s defeat away to Fulham.

“I was set set to go (for the Guatemala friendly),” Ameobi went on. “I’ve been injured since they called me up the last time. Hopefully, I’ll get another chance.”

However, the prospect of regular international football for Ameobi, not least in the summer months when his team_mates will be resting, will be of concern to manager Pardew given the potential for injury.

Earlier in his career, Ameobi hoped to make the step up to the full England squad, having scored seven Under_21 goals.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Football Federation general secretary Musa Amadu – who is working on the paperwork for Ameobi’s switch – has revealed he is still waiting for documentation from the Football Association.

“In the next few days, we want to put some urgency into the process to get them to send the letters,” said Amadu.