‘He wanted to go to play’ – Ranieri says Watford have not disrespected AFCON by holding Dennis back
Watford manager Claudio Ranieri has insisted that the Hornets have not disrespected the Africa Cup of Nations by not allowing Emmanuel Dennis to represent Nigeria at the continental showpiece.
Ranieri says Dennis–who dropped out of the Super Eagles squad for the tournament–”wanted to go to play but also wanted to help Watford.”
Dennis, 24, was not part of Nigeria’s initial 37-man provisional squad submitted by former coach Gernot Rohr, but added to the 40-man team in December.
His inclusion in the final squad led to Ranieri revealing the club could refuse to release him.
The Italian manager said Nigeria missed a deadline to advise the Premier League club that the forward was being considered for selection.
“I knew the board and Nigerian board were speaking. I accept every decision they find,” Ranieri said.
"He wanted to go and play."
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 31, 2021
Claudio Ranieri insists Watford have not disrespected the Africa Cup of Nations by not allowing Emmanuel Dennis to be part of Nigeria's squad at the tournament…? pic.twitter.com/M4dYuMlnzT
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.”
Dennis, who’s been replaced by Sparta Prague striker Peter Olayinka, will now be available for Watford’s league games against Newcastle and Norwich, as well as their FA Cup third round tie at Leicester City on 8 January. He’s the club’s leading scorer in the Premier League this season with eight goals.
The Africa Cup of Nations will begin January 9 in Cameroon.
