Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis has been left out of Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations squad. According to The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal, this was due to Nigeria missing a deadline to advise Watford that the striker was under consideration for the tournament.
FIFA rules state: “Associations wishing to call up a player must notify the player in writing at least 15 days before the first day of the international window in which the representative teams’ activities for which he is required will take place.
“Associations wishing to call up a player for the final competition of an international tournament must notify the player in writing at least 15 days before the beginning of the relevant release period.”
However, a statement from the Nigerian Football Federation said that Dennis had been excused because Watford were ‘baring fangs’ and that they had reportedly refused to release the 24-year-old striker.
Dennis will now be available for Watford’s league games against fellow strugglers Newcastle United and Norwich City, as well as their FA Cup third-round tie at Leicester City on January 8.
Emmanuel Dennis Left Out of Nigerian AFCON Squad
Turbulent Build Up for Super Eagles
Nigeria’s preparations for the African Cup of Nations has been hit with a number of issues. Star striker Victor Osimhen is set to miss the tournament following a positive covid test.
Sparta Prague attacker Peter Olayinka and Olympiakos forward Henry Onyekuru have replaced Dennis and Osimhen.
Rangers defender Leon Balogun will also be missing due to injury, as will Cyprus-based Abdullahi Shehu. West Brom’s Semi Ajayi and Tyronne Ebuehi of Italian Serie A side Venezia have replaced them.
Nigeria kick off their African Cup of Nations campaign against Egypt on 11 January.
Huge Boost for Watford
It is a huge boost for Watford that Emmanuel Dennis will be available over the next few weeks. The Hornets have huge games against fellow relegation strugglers Newcastle and Norwich. Having their top goalscorer available will please Claudio Ranieri.
He said: “I knew the board and Nigerian board were speaking. I accept every decision they find and that for me is finished.”
Asked whether the decision for Dennis to remain with his club disrespected AFCON, Ranieri added: “No. They have a lot of players and then they changed the managers and everything. We were ready to give over the players, they didn’t do it. The two boards spoke and for me it is OK.
“Of course, he wanted to go to play but he also wanted to help Watford.”
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