EPL: Dennis joins Robben, Cantona club as four Nigerians experience mixed fortunes in Leicester vs Watford clash

The Nigerian international continued his brilliant start to life in the English top-flight, although it was not enough to prevent the Hornets from a defeat

Emmanuel Dennis scored and earned a penalty, but it was not enough to prevent Watford from a 4-2 loss against Leicester City in their Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium.

The match itself had four Nigerians, with two representing each club. However, it was a day of contrasting fortunes for them.

Leicester got off to a perfect start as James Maddison put them ahead in the 16th minute after Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong failed to deal with a long ball from Jonny Evans.

Ekong only made his return to Watford’s lineup after missing out in the last two league games, but his defending for the opener might have jeopardised his chances to earn more starts under Claudio Ranieri.

Watford didn’t have to wait long, though, before finding the equaliser. The Hornets drew level on the half-hour mark through Joshua King’s penalty after Wilfred Ndidi tripped his countryman Dennis in the box.

It was the second penalty Ndidi would give away in as many games this week. However, it did not prove too costly as Jamie Vardy restored the Foxes lead four minutes later before doubling the advantage three minutes before the break.

But Watford did not give up easily, and they got one back in the 62nd through Dennis, who dinked the ball perfectly over Kasper Schmeichel.

The goal is Dennis fifth in the league this season, making him the sixth player after Arjen Robben, Eric Cantona, Jurgen Klinsmann, Andrey Arshavin and Bruno Fernandes to reach five goals and five assists in 12 or fewer games in Premier League history.

Dennis’ strike gave Watford more belief, but another Nigerian star Ademola Lookman killed any hope the Hornets had left with a fourth Leicester goal in the 68th minute.

It proved to be the final goal of the match as Brendan Rodgers men ran out 4-2 winners.