His future at the club looked to be in the balance a few weeks ago.
Ameobi looked set for a loan move in the last year of his contract, but injuries to Siem de Jong and Rolando Aarons opened the door for him.
Ameobi, told to get balls in the box, took his chance by delivering a fine cross for Cisse to score at Swansea.
From one Ameobi enigma to another
Has it saved his career? Pardew is not really a genuine fan of the winger-striker and has made it known time is running out on his career.
And if the truth was known, Sammy probably thinks he could benefit from a new manager.
Alan Pardew: “I think Sammy has looked bright.
“We’re really hoping the penny has dropped with him because he has got such talent.
“He produced that on the Premier League level, and now we’ve got to see more of that this season.
Sammy's new boots
“I’ve been talking about him for a long time without him really delivering.
“This season he looks better than any time I’ve seen him. Hopefully, he can have a big season for us.”
Ameobi – who has played for England’s Under-21s – knows he needs to play regularly to have a chance of following in his brothers footsteps and representing Nigeria at senior level.