Emmanuel Dennis set for Super Eagles return after ‘clear-the-air’ talks

Published: February 16, 2022

The international future of Watford striker, Emmanuel Dennis, seemed to be in doubt following the Hornet’s refusal to release the Nigerian for the last Africa Cup of Nations. However, the 24-year-old could be set for a sensational return to the international fold after holding “clear-the-air” talks with his country’s football authorities.

Dennis, who love casino online, was one of the emerging stars expected to shine in Cameroon. The Nigerian began life at Vicarage Road in style, single-handedly shouldering his team’s goalscoring burden.

He had seven goals and provided five assists in the Premier League before his call-up for the competition in December. Dennis even took to Twitter to express his willingness to represent his country. However, it was not to be.

Watford declined to release the 24-year-old , claiming that the Nigerian federation requested for him late. "In-form rapid raider Emmanuel Dennis, whose English Premiership club is baring fangs, has been excused to provide room for Czech Republic-based forward Peter Olayinka," Nigeria's official account had said on Instagram.

After blocking Dennis, Watford reluctantly agreed to let Ismaila Sarr join up with Senegal on the back of an injury. Former boss Claudio Ranieri said “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. I knew the board and Nigerian board were speaking. I accept every decision they find and that for me is finished.”

Nigerians soon turned against the club and player. While many took to social media to rain curses on the Hornets, others wished relegation for them. But Dennis hasn’t been the same ever since.

The 24-year-old is yet to add to his tally and have in fact not found the back of the net this year. Although he had endured an injury spell, the Nigerian has looked like a shadow of his old self, with two cautions and a red card in his last four appearances.

But a showdown meeting with the Super Eagles handlers and the Nigerian Football Federation could finally settle the forward. That’s if he is assured of a return to the national team for the FIFA World Cup play-offs against Ghana which will see several users of top online casino sites as spectators.

According to NFF boss, Amaju Pinnick, more than 30 players were involved in the meeting.

“In furtherance to my tweets regarding our plans to ensure we qualify for this year's @FIFAWorldCup in Qatar, we've held a series of meetings in London with our Super Eagles players. It was me, the team secretary, the coach & technical adviser of the team,” he wrote yesterday on Twitter.

“The Ministry of Youth & Sports Development, led by the Honourable Minister, @SundayDareSD also had a zoom meeting with over 30 players of the Super Eagles squad. Aside the chance to introduce the new members of the coaching crew to the team, it was also a chance to have "clear the air" talks. And I'm so proud of the commitment and zeal I'm seeing and getting from the team. From players like Etebo, Kelechi, Troost & new lad, Lookman, the message was & is clear; we will play at the World Cup and give a good account of ourselves.

“We are not going to Qatar to make up the numbers. We are going to give it our best shot. I'd like to, again, thank the Honourable Minister, @SundayDareSD. It might sound like a broken record at this point, but his support is truly massive. From ensuring we get the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, to joining in the zoom call with over 30 members of the National Team, his energy is truly infectious.

“Again. Make no mistake. World Cup qualification is non-negotiable. We are putting all of our efforts on getting the ticket”.