Fifa has cleared two former England youth internationals Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses to play for Nigeria.

Nigeria Football Association (NFF) applied for a switch to make them eligible for their country of birth.

"Fifa has finally cleared Foluwashola Ameobi and Victor Moses to play for Nigeria at international level," NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire said.

"Fifa declared that both players have been cleared based on the entire documentation remitted by the NFF."

SHOLA AMEOBI FACTFILE
Name: Shola Ameobi
Date of birth: 12 Oct 1981
Place of birth: Zaria, Nigeria
Position: Striker
Nationality: Nigeria/England
Previous clubs: Stoke City (on loan)
Current club: Newcastle, apps 242, goals 49
National team: Nigeria, apps 0, goals 0
The two players are likely to be considered for next month's friendlies against Botswana and Zambia.

Under Fifa rules, players who have represented one country at junior level can play for another at senior level if they meet the qualifying stipulations.

Ameobi, 30, who has played for England Under-21s, has not featured for the Three Lions which made him eligible for the nationality switch.

The Newcastle striker was born in Zaria, northern Nigeria, before moving to England with his parents at the age of five.

He was first called-up by the national team 10 years ago - a call he turned down but recently agreed to play for the Super Eagles.

Ameobi was in line for his Nigeria debut in January in the friendly against Guatemala but could not play because his switch had not been approved.

Moses, who plays for Premier League side Wigan, was born in Kaduna.

VICTOR MOSES FACTFILE
Name: Victor Moses
Date of birth: 12 December 1990
Place of birth: Kaduna, Nigeria
Position: Winger/Striker
Nationality: Nigeria/England
Previous clubs: Crystal Palace
Current club: Wigan, apps 45, goals 2
National team: Nigeria, apps 0, goals 0
The 20-year-old has lived in England since the age of 11, and has been capped by his adopted country at under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels.

As Moses has dual nationality and has not played for England's senior side, he is eligible for Nigeria.

The player was picked for March's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia, but stayed away because Fifa was considering his nationality switch application.

Fifa recently removed the age limit for players who want to switch national allegiance.

Previously players who had represented one country at youth level had to make the choice to change by the age of 21.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15524642.stm

This is good news to Super Eagles and Nigeria. The players should come show their best.

Hope they do well. . .

Next player I would like to see begging is Agbonlahor

more strength to the super eagle.

The NFF, as a matter of expediency needs to get themselves rid of this wanton ineptitude and cluelessness,what do they want from a 30 year old player who found the back of the net only 49 timesin 242 appearances. That's an average of one goal per five games. If. He was good enough why did he not get called up by the "three lions"? Ameobi and his former team-mate;Titus Bramble are among the players i've been watching since childhood and i can tell you they are serious contenders for the award of the worst Newcastle players of all time

thanks but no thanks. shola ameobi is done.

The NFF, as a matter of expediency needs to get themselves rid of this wanton ineptitude and cluelessness,what do they want from a 30 year old player who found the back of the net only 49 timesin 242 appearances.

Its still better than Kanu that found the net 79 in 412 games,

room702:

thanks but no thanks. shola ameobi is done.

wella

Agbonlahor is no longer eligible for Naija,
Buh, moses, boy! That guy is superb, a fantastic and complete winger,

donspony:

Hope they do well. . .

Next player I would like to see begging is Agbonlahor

room702:

thanks but no thanks. shola ameobi is done.

When compared to some of the strikers we currently use, he's far better. Like Mr Orobo (Yakubu),

Victor Moses is young but not good enough for our natioanl team

Isaac Moses is a sure bet and that is a comforting news for Nigeria but please let's forget Shola Ameobi,he has passed his prime.
Now is time to wake up and make hay.The Nations Cup disappointment is a blessing in disguise.
Let's go for youth,vibrancy and zeal.
God bless Nigeria.

baby-boy:

Its still better than Kanu that found the net 79 in 412 games,

Shut the F up. U baga!!

I have watched Shola's game. He really good and fast.

My bad bout Agbonlahor.

Isn't Shola not past it. . .though maybe he can prove me wrong