I want to represent Nigeria in Russia – Ameobi

Sammy Ameobi

Sammy Ameobi is hoping to emulate his elder brother, Shola, by representing Nigeria at the World Cup.

Former Newcastle star, Shola, kitted for the Super Eagles at the last edition in Brazil.

Four years after, Sammy is aiming to repeat that feat.

The 25-year-old pledged allegiance to Nigeria after watching his brother achieve his dream.

Like Shola, he previously represented England at Under-21s level.

Ameobi has been in good form for Bolton Wanderers since returning from a knee injury sustained in pre-season and has three goals from his 19 starts in the Championship.

Having previously played for Nigeria’s Under-20s in two friendlies in 2011, the 25-year-old would love to make the step up to senior level.

Nigeria faces Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in the group stages in Russia, and Ameobi hopes with regular football he is now getting at the Macron Stadium he may yet impress the international selectors and make his World Cup dream a reality.

“I want to solely represent Nigeria,” he told his club’s official website on Tuesday.

“Hopefully that opportunity will come but it will only possibly happen if I play well on a weekly basis, which is what I am aiming to do here at Bolton Wanderers.

“With it being a World Cup year who knows what could happen?

“It would be great to be a part of that, but there’s a lot of hard work ahead for me if that’s even possible.

“It isn’t easy breaking into the international team. Shola did it and I can only hope to follow in his footsteps!”