Keshi highlights Ameobi's value

Football | Super Eagles

Shola Ameobi’s inclusion in the Super eagles has divided the Nigerian fan base but with his performance against Italy, the Newcastle Striker may just have won them over.
It’s also turning to one of those fairytale stories as Shola is 32 and in the twilight of his career, and to think he only made his debut last year. He has now scored 2 goals in 4 games for Nigeria, albeit all friendlies.
Many actually believe that he is "reaping where he has not sown" but the one person who matters the most, Stephen Keshi the Super Eagles manager is however a huge fan. Keshi told supersport.com that:

"Shola is such a vital member of the team. I already have the joy of managing this group of really young players who have so little experience of playing at the top level. With Shola I have more than a footballer; I have a second coach on the pitch. He is always talking to the players both on the pitch and even when he is on the bench. I cannot tell you how valuable that is in this group".
A lot of those against Ameobi's presence in the team are like that principally because he played for England U-21s and missed out on the Afcon 2013. Keshi adds:

"I understood the contract situation he had with Newcastle that made him miss the AFCON, we spoke about it and I was cool with it hence why he is back in the fold. He is such a level headed lad. Very intelligent on the ball and as we saw against Italy he can score goals too".

As a young lad growing up Ameobi played for the England U21s with encouragement and no little pressure from Sir Bobby Robson the Newcastle manager at the time.He was also sought after for many years to play for the Super Eagles with reports of him holding out for England like many other England bork Nigerians like Needum Onuoha, Gabriel Agbonlahor and
"He loves playing for Nigeria" The Big Boss says of his reserve striker. "And he is also a big part of the group and buys into what we are doing here despite his many years in England and in the premiership there is no arrogance about him".

This definitely looks like a case of, If he is good enough for the Coach then he should do for Nigerians. Many will now expect to see him carry his form against Italy to Brazil 2014 World Cup .
Maybe his younger Brother, Sammy Ameobi, who also plays for Newcastle as Striker or Winger will be encouraged to follow in his footsteps and perhaps make his international debut earlier.