Wattford threatened Dennis to shun AFCON : Ranieri responds to strong comments by Eguavoen

Published: January 01, 2022

There were some strong quotes from interim Nigeria boss Augustine Eguavoen on Friday in which he stated that Watford had threatened their star striker Emmanuel Dennis to withdraw from the Africa Cup of Nations roster.

The former Nigeria captain also stated that the leadership of the Hornets did everything humanely possible for Dennis not to be at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Nigeria international, who cost four million euros, has proved to be one of the bargain buys of the summer transfer window, with the former Club Brugge man directly participating in 13 goals (8 goals, 5 assists) in seventeen appearances in the English top-flight.

Dennis has been shining since the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as coach even though Watford's form has been dismal to say the least, picking up six points from a possible 33.

With relegation staring them in the face as things stand, the Italian was desperate to keep hold of the Nigerian.

Ranieri said at the pre-match press conference that he had ended all discussions on the issue of Dennis withdrawing from the Nigeria squad but was asked to respond to the strong comments by Eguavoen shortly after the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The experienced Italian football tactician said : "Look I think Nigeria had to speak to the Board and not the manager. I am the manager, the player stays here I 'm happy and for me it's finished".

Dennis was substituted during the break against Tottenham Hotspur because Ranieri was trying to prevent the striker from aggravating a minor injury.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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