NFF’s blunder could deny Dennis AFCON action

Watford’s boss, Claudio Ranieri, has hinted that he may not release Nigerian striker Emmanuel Dennis for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations because the Nigerian star’s invitation letter did not reach Watford on time.

The former Club Brugge man has been a standout performer for the Hornets this season.

Despite their poor form, Dennis has been incredible, scoring eight goals and assisting five. He is only second to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in terms of Premier League goal involvements this season.

His outstanding displays earned him a call-up for the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for January. However, there is a possibility that 24-year-old could miss Africa’s major football tournament.

Earlier on, Soccernet reported that the NFF were yet to send invitations to the players that would represent Nigeria. It does seem that Nigeria could pay dearly for that mistake as Watford manager Ranieri is looking to capitalise on it.

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The Watford gaffer explained that the invitation from the NFF came very late, and as such, they are working to see if they could stop Dennis from going to the AFCON.

I’m not so sure I will miss him now, I don’t know if he goes,” Ranieri told Watford Observer. “Let’s think about it this week, and then I will tell you.

“The national team has a time to send their precall, they don’t respect the days and I want to see very well.

“I know the email arrived late and I want to know everything. The email arrived late to call him. The national team has a time, during this time they have to send the precall, if they don’t send the precall, we can choose.”

Watford are in a relegation battle, and they could take advantage of the NFF’s blunder to keep their star man.