Watford threatened Dennis to miss Afcon 2021 – Austin Eguavoen

Super Eagles Interim coach, Austin Eguavoen has claimed that Premier League club Watford threatened in-form Nigerian striker Emmanuel Dennis from featuring at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

According to Eguavoen, Dennis was refused permission for the tournament by Watford after they received his invitation for the tournament.

Dennis was replaced in the Super Eagles’ 28-man squad on Friday by Olympiacos’ Henry Onyekuru after his Premier League club declined to release for the trip to Cameroon.

“Watford stopped him from featuring at the AFCON,” Eguavoen said after Friday’s training session in Abuja.

“Dennis told me he wanted to come for the tournament but Watford threatened him from coming. I feel bad that some of them like Paul Onuachu, Osimhen and Dennis won’t be there but I feel the 28-man list is good enough to go for the AFCON.

“I only informed Onyekuru once and he was excited same as Tyronne Ebuehi and Semi Ajayi.”

Meanwhile, Claudio Ranieri insisted Watford had not disrespected the Africa Cup of Nations after Nigeria confirmed talisman Emmanuel Dennis will not be among the squad.