The Watford forward is one of the hottest players in Europe currently, but unfortunately, he will not be at the AFCON
Nigerian fans have taken to Twitter to express their dissatisfaction after Watford star Emmanuel Dennis pulled out of the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
The Abuja-born forward is currently one of the in-form strikers in the Premier League at the moment. The former Club Brugge man has eight goals and five assists in 16 Premier League games.
Only Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah has more goal contributions this season.
Although the 24-year-old has not played for the Super Eagles since November 2020, he was included in the 28-man squad for the AFCON.
Following his inclusion, Dennis shared his excitement on his Twitter page. However, the status quo has changed as the 24-year-old has pulled out of the biennial competition.
Although there is no confirmed reason, Watford boss Claudio Ranieri hinted earlier that they were looking to exploit an NFF blunder in order to keep their star striker.
But the news of his withdrawal has not gone down well with Nigerian fans, with many taking to Twitter to express their displeasure.
They are going down you know even with Dennis playing.
— PassionateGunner 🇨🇾 (@10Tolis10) December 31, 2021
Selective because Dennis has been so good this szn, I understand their angle but it’s just disrespectful, if anything they should have Euros and AFCON same time
— Chris🇳🇬#77 (@OfficialChris29) December 31, 2021
Hey Dennis H. A. van Leeuwen 🕹(@Vaeshkar), thank you for following me
— Rebecca Hattam 🌹 (@HattamRebecca) December 31, 2021
and this is exactly why either the season should be halted or it should be done in the summer. why should dennis miss out? i bet they won’t refuse any players for the world cup https://t.co/7dHSV6ptid
— ben (@benbrns_) December 31, 2021
Dennis should refuse to play for Watford. Absolutely disgusting from Watford to refuse to release him
— SALAH PROP ZONE ONLY (@namzbah96) December 31, 2021
Shame on them blocking Dennis a chance to represent his country at AFCON https://t.co/fIR1fKzuaS
— Mukoma Shadii ♛ (@shadrickoo) December 31, 2021
Can’t lie. Whether documentation was sent in late or not. Denying a player to represent his country is a mad to me. Surely you could’ve looked past it & allowed Dennis to play for Nigeria in such an important tournament.
— Aaron Cikaya (@aaroncikaya) December 31, 2021
https://twitter.com/aaron_bennis10/status/1476887303805181955?t=S_ugqrxJOm2tRxQoqW1QLA&s=19
Unless there’s new info that comes to light, not allowing Dennis to go to AFCON because of a late email is awful. As if any other player would be put in the same position if it were another competition?
— Rachel (@rachel_sg) December 31, 2021
God, what kind of pussies are the NFF? Losing dennis and osimehn. Competition wey never start don almost end! https://t.co/IYW5R2H5c3
— ọmọluwabi (@AYOMID3__) December 31, 2021
How low can you get? Disallowing a player from honouring his Country's call. It shows disrespect to AFCON. It also shows some sort of systemic racism. Many English players get die minute calls and they see it as a honour. Fix up.
— Dr Joshua Idowu (@J_laurels) December 31, 2021
https://twitter.com/CroydonDebruyn7/status/1476873231281934337?t=360DowSRwL7GwehnVEh3SQ&s=19
Insha Allah you’re going down
— Abbati (@iubarau) December 31, 2021
Let Emmanuel Dennis play for his country ,you stupid club of England!!!!
— Tomiwa⚽❤️ (@_Tomzy_07) December 31, 2021
https://twitter.com/360fotography/status/1476880054445649921?t=tLliOdFVejgMnBZuX_17fQ&s=19
However, while Dennis had to pull out, his compatriot William Troost-Ekong is still in the Super Eagles squad for the competition.
Imaging not allowing Emanuel Danni’s to the AFCON that’s disrespectful to Nigeria
You people should use your Head. If Watford is relegated Nigerian players going down with Watford are much. If even Dennis comes how many match did he want to play is it not as sub too. That was one of the reason Dennis himself didn’t want to more the uncertainty of playing first team football. Watford wouldn’t relegate in Jesus name I want to see more Nigerian in the premier league
Maduka okoye, Tom , etebo if bought permanently, Dennis,ekong. Dennis will be more missed at Watford hen at nigeria am even happy he stayed, it’s just came at a bad timing osimhen also gone
He should stay to help his team beat the drop. There is no guarantee he would star matches or even play. So many naija players are on Watford ship. So make una wish Dennis and rest well. Happy new year to everyone and we move to lift Afcon 2022