Shola Ameobi reflects on his journey with Newcastle United
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 22, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Oct 22, 2026

Shola Ameobi shares his experiences growing up in Newcastle facing racism and how it shaped his career. The former striker, who moved from Nigeria at age six, spoke about times he feared for his safety and had to navigate a challenging environment. Becoming a derby hero and later joining Newcastle’s executive team, Ameobi expressed his desire to be useful to the club. His story highlights the ongoing issues of racism and the transformative impact of sports in addressing such challenges.
- •Ameobi faced racism growing up in Newcastle in the late 1980s and 1990s.
- •He experienced fear and isolation due to his background.
- •Ameobi transitioned from player to executive at Newcastle United.
- •His story emphasizes the importance of addressing racism in sports.
- 7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Shola Ameobi: ‘I thought: how can I be most useful to Newcastle? Then the cog started turning’
"From experiencing racism growing up in Newcastle to becoming a derby hero and now a member of the executive team, the former striker has been on a remarkable journey “There were times where I feared for my life as a kid, being harassed and chased by different groups of people,” Shola Ameobi says. “There were situations where I had to sprint to get away from groups of lads who didn’t like me because of what I looked like.” Ameobi is recalling growing up in Newcastle during the late 1980s and 1990s, having moved from Nigeria aged six. There were, he says, “lots of moments” like that. “It was almost as if I had to hide myself to be able to do what I love to do. It wasn’t a very nice feeling, having to worry about getting from A to B. It was just part of my world. I had to be more aware of my surroundings and what I was doing.” Continue reading...
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
EPL•Oct 22, 2026, 7:55 AMTransfer rumors, news: Man United consider defensive clearout in summer
Champions League•Oct 22, 2026, 7:55 AMWho are Como? The vacation-destination club that just rocked Man United
Champions League•Oct 22, 2026, 7:40 AMChampions League Team of the Week: Our Best XI
Champions League•Oct 22, 2026, 7:39 AMNagelsmann emerges as leading candidate to replace Carrick amid Man United crisis
Champions League•Oct 22, 2026, 7:36 AMBernardo Silva celebrates first Real Madrid goal and warns about El Clasico stakes: ‘I’m still working hard’
Champions League•Oct 22, 2026, 7:35 AMArsenal boss Mikel Arteta concerned over Bukayo Saka's quad injury
