TheCable

Former Newcastle United striker and one of the most experienced players in the Super Eagles, Shola Ameobi, says he is glad he was finally able to play for Nigeria, having started his international career as an English man.

“I consider myself blessed to be involved at the World Cup at this stage of my career. You dream of playing or representing your country at the senior level but doing it also at the World Cup just caps it all up,” he told TheCable at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Porto Alegre.

The former England U-21 skipper said: “Having grown up in England, it was really good playing for England at that level. It was a natural progression to do so since it was the culture and style of play I was used to.

“However, when FIFA changed the rules and it was possible for me to play for Nigeria, I was very happy as were my parents. It was very emotional for me when coach Stephen Keshi gave me my debut.”

One of the attributes that Coach Stephen Keshi apparently sees in Ameobi is the vast experience he brings to the team.

According to the coach, “Shola talks a lot to the players, brings his experience to the team on and off the pitch.”

What does the player himself think of this?

“As a player I feel you learn by experience. We have a lot of young players in the squad and so I try to teach or impart my own experience to them as much as possible without taking over the coaching duties,” he said.

Ameobi has been involved in both group matches coming on as subs in each but playing different roles each time.

“To be honest my career started as a no 10 (the roles he came on to play in the win against Bosnia) but I am going to play in any position the coach wants me to play in to get us the desired result,” he said.