Watford coach, Claudio Ranieri has dismissed claims that Watford have disrespected the African Cup of Nations after Emmanuel Dennis was omitted from the Nigeria squad.
Emmanuel Dennis was added to Nigeria’s 28 man squad for AFCON 2021 in Cameroon after being left out during the qualifier games.
That list, though, changed again on Friday as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) released a statement confirming Dennis had been excused from participating as his club side Watford are “baring fangs”.
Ranieri during an interview with Watford media stated on that Dennis’ late call-up was in the Premier League’s hands, but has responded to Nigeria’s claims by insisting his side have done no wrong.
Asked whether Watford had disrespected AFCON, Ranieri said: “No. They have a lot of players and they changed the manager.
“We were ready. We know we were ready to give them players, but they didn’t do this.
“The two boards spoke and then for me it is okay. I am only the manager, only the coach, and I accept everything. Now I speak with [Dennis], but of course he wanted to go and play. But also he wants to help Watford.
“I accept the decision of the board and the Nigeria team. We respect everybody. I knew they were speaking, the [Watford] board and the Nigeria board. I accept every decision they find. For me, it is finished.”
The news of Dennis’ omission will please Watford supporters, given the forward has either scored or assisted 59 per cent of Watford’s 22 league goals this campaign.
In fact, only Mohamed Salah (24) has been directly involved in more Premier League goals this season than Dennis (13 – eight goals, five assists).