Nigeria have overlooked Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi for their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad after he failed to answer their telephone calls, reports BBC Sport. Ameobi was named in the preliminary squad by coach Stephen Keshi.
But it was later announced by Newcastle boss Alan Pardew that the 31-year-old would not travel to South Africa.
"Shola's refusal to answer calls gave Keshi no other option than to allow him to concentrate on his club," said Nigeria's media officer Ben Alaiya.
"The coach and team secretary made several attempts to reach Shola but there was no answer. The coach waited to hear back from him but a call never came.
"A decision on the next move will be made at the appropriate time."
