VIDEO: Why Dennis withdrew from AFCON – Eguavoen

Nigerian striker Emmanuel Dennis withdrew from the 2022 AFCON because he was threatened by his club side Watford.

Austin Eguavoen, Super Eagles interim manager revealed this in the wake of Emmanuel’s omission from the 28-man AFCON squad.

Emmanuel would have made his AFCON debut in January but his English club side threw barriers that made it impossible.

Speaking on the development with NFF TV, Eguavoen said Nigeria must make do with what is available.

“We tried to reach out to the club, the club said we will not allow Dennis to go, and Dennis also told me that his club are doing everything humanely possible for him not to be at the AFCON, I can’t force it,” Eguavoen said.

“I reported the manner to the authority, they also tried, that was why we had to wait until about the last second before we could push the button.

“Dennis said he wants to come but his club was threatening him, so what do we do if a player doesn’t want to come, what are you going to do? We have to play with what we have.”

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Desperation

Watford are currently marred in a looming relegation battle and obviously were dependent on Dennis to save them.

The 25-year old has netted 10 league goals and has been twice voted club player of the month (August & November).

But with his omission from the Eagles squad, Nigeria has now lost three potent strikers .

They are Emmanuel Dennis, Victor Oshimhen and Paul Onuachu.

Peter Olayinka of Slavia Prague has since replaced Dennis.

 

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