The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) debunked the claim by Newcastle boss, Alan Pardew, that Shola Ameobi will skip next month’s AFCON.

“We are not aware of such a thing about Shola (Ameobi). He is a FIFA-listed player for us. The federation is not aware, the head coach is not aware of this and that was why Shola was called up for the competition,”  said NFF’s spokesman, Ademola Olajire.

“We will do all within our power to see that Shola or any player picked by the coach for the Nations Cup is released to us.”