TheCable

Sammy and Shola Ameobi played together at Newcastle United but now the younger Ameobi is looking to unite with his brother for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Shola Ameobi went to Brazil 2014 World Cup with Nigeria, where he played 63 minutes in two group games – against Iran and Bosnia.

Sammy Ameobi played for Nigeria U-20 in two friendly games against Saudi Arabia and Egypt ahead of the 2011 African Youth Championship but would love to link up again with his elder brother on the international stage and emulate Kalu Uche and Ikechukwu Uche – the last set of brothers to play for Nigeria.

“I’m looking to get involved in the national team,” Ameobi Jnr told Sunderland Echo.

“Hopefully, I can do that. I’d just like to play alongside Shola again. I’m looking forward to that, but the most important thing is playing here for Newcastle. If I get an opportunity, I need to take it. If Nigeria happens, it’s a bonus.”

However, Shola – who joined Turkish club Gaziantep as a free agent in August after a 14-year first-team career at Newcastle – has not played for the Super Eagles since the World Cup.

Shola, like Sammy, played for England at Under-21 level, but switched allegiance late in his career.

Sammy is hoping to follow in his brother’s footsteps with an invitation to the national team by coach Stephen Keshi.