Dennis responds to Nigeria snub as Awoniyi-less Nottingham Forest bow to Newcastle United

The Nigerian ended his five-month goal drought, finding the net as the Reds bowed at home to the Magpies

 

Emmanuel Dennis responded to being left out of the Nigeria squad by scoring as Nottingham Forest lost 2-1 to Newcastle United on Friday night.

The former Watford man – who has struggled this season – was excluded by coach Jose Peseiro when he announced his squad for March’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea Bissau.

Heading into the fixture, Dennis had gone on a run of five month without finding the net, with his last striker coming against Aston Villa in October 2022.

As expected, the English topflight outing got off to a flying note as both teams tried to take an early lead. However, it was the hosts who took the lead in the 26th minute courtesy of the Super Eagle who calmly fired past Nick Pope.

On the stroke of half-time, Newcastle levelled matters through Alexander Isak who beat Keylor Navas after profiting from Joseph Willock’s assist.

In the second half, the visitors took charge of ball possession. That paid off four minutes after the hour mark as Isak teed up Elliot Anderson for their second goal. Nevertheless, the effort was chalked off as VAR adjudged that there was an offside in the build-up.

Despite the setback, Eddie Howe’s men continued to push for goals – and in the closing minutes of the keenly contest affair, they were awarded a penalty after Moussa Niakhate handled the ball in his area.

Isak took the ensuing kick by fire into the top right corner of goalkeeper Navas.

Dennis was subbed off in the 79th minute for Neco Williams due to his injury, whereas his compatriot Taiwo Awoniyi was not listed for action by Steve Cooper.

Forest have now failed to win any of their last six league matches and are now just two points above the relegation places going into the international break.

They welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to City Ground on April 1. For the Magpies, they host Manchester United a day later.