Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has said Newcastle United veteran striker Shola Ameobi will have recovered from his hand injury in time for the Bafana Bafana friendly on August 14.
Keshi said he spoke with the striker to find out the extent of the injury and was told that he had only a knock on the arm and will be ready for the friendly against South Africa.
“I have spoken to Shola and the guy is fit and healthy and will be available for the Mandela Challenge. He told me so himself, so any other news to the contrary I don’t believe,” said Keshi.
Ameobi walked off the pitch clutching his right wrist in the second-half of Newcastle’s 1-3 loss to Rio Ave in Portugal last Saturday.
The 31-year-old, who scored a 76th minute consolation goal for the Magpies, tumbled awkwardly in a challenge with an opponent with time running out. He was later taken to the hospital for an X-ray.
Ameobi has featured only once for the Super Eagles, he couldn’t play at the last African Cup of Nations because of a clause that prevented him from international duties. He was shortlisted by Keshi in the 20-man squad for the annual Mandela Challenge after the expiration of the clause.