You’d be a fool if you don’t want to play for your country

The lanky striker said he was happy with his call to the Super Eagles.

After getting his international clearance to play for the Nigerian national team, Shola Ameobi has revealed his excitement at getting the call to play against Venezuela in an international friendly match on Wednesday.

At 31, the Newcastle United of England striker is going to play for Nigeria for the first time, about five years after he was approached by Super Eagles handlers.

“I’m really excited about it and hopefully I can go and meet up with the rest of the guys and see where we go from here,” Ameobi revealed. “My focus right now is getting through this week, and really looking forward to the game next weekend against Swansea.”

The 31-year old also revealed his lingering desire to make an international career.

“You’d be a fool if you didn’t want to play at the very highest level and certainly I’m no fool,” Ameobi said at the Miami, Florida, camp of the Eagles on Tuesday.

“I want to play at the top as every other player does – that’s what drives me and that’s why I’m still here wanting to play in the Premier League.

The lanky forward said Newcastle United would remain his priority. He said the Newcastle Coach, Alan Pardew, was delighted at his international call because “he (Pardew) wants a squad full of internationals here. He’s happy for me.”

“I’m really excited. Nigeria is where I’m from, that’s my heritage and I’ve never forgotten my roots,” Ameobi said. “The majority of my family are from Nigeria and they’re really excited about this.”