AFCON 2013: We Wouldn’t Miss Ameobi – Babangida

Former Eagles Player and World Cup Star, Tijani Babangida have taken a swipe at Newcastle Player and Nigerian International Shola Ameobi after he chose to turn down National duty for club assignments.

Babangida blasted Ameobi saying he should have respected and honoured his home country before his club but nevertheless he won’t be missed on the line-up for the Afcon 2013 which will be kick started this January.

The National Team and Coach Stephen Keshi decided to throw out Ameobi after it was becoming a serious row between the country and club over the player and eventually the Coach  waited till Saturday midnight to finally take a decision on the Ameobi matter thereby resting what would have been taken to FIFA for a final decision.

Ameobi featured in the game against Venezuela in what passed as the player’s debut last November after he completed his international change from England.

Ameobi however decided to choose Newcastle over Nigeria after Newcastle manager; Alan Pardew appealed to the player to stick with the club not considering his chance of being on the roll-call of international glory.

And Alan Pardew’s claim of holding Ameobi was because Demba Ba was certain to ditch the club in the January transfer window.

Babangida could not hold back his feelings saying Ameobi should count himself very lucky for getting a national call-up but he ended up holding his loyalty to his club side ahead of Nigeria.

How many would have knocked back a major international competition the way Shola has?

Not many … I can promise you.

“Nigeria is too big for Ameobi or any player for that matter.  He should know that he is lucky to represent this country. I am sure he will later regret this.

“One other thing is clear – his absence won’t affect Eagles at the Nations Cup.”