Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi will not be going to the Africa Cup of Nations, according to Magpies boss Alan Pardew.
Ameobi had been expected to join up with his national team next month after being named by Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi in his provisional squad.
But Pardew said: “Shola won’t be going. The national team manager knows the reasons, which I am keeping to myself.”

Ameobi came on as a substitute for Newcastle on Saturday and scored the only goal with a stunning strike in the 1-0 win over QPR.