AFCON 2021: Dennis doubtful for AFCON

Watford could prevent Emmanuel Dennis from taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations next month, with Claudio Ranieri claiming that Nigeria has missed the deadline to call him up for the tournament.

Dennis, 24, was named in Nigeria's 28-man AFCON squad on Boxing Day and gushed over the news on Twitter, posting: 'Proud to get a call up to represent my country.'

However, Ranieri has since cast doubt over his participation in the event, as he believes Watford have grounds to keep him after Nigeria failed to submit a 'pre-call' before a specific deadline.

'I'm not so sure I'll miss Dennis now and if he goes to the national team, we have to wait,' the Hornets boss said.

'The email didn't arrive at the right moment. The national team has a time to send a pre-call. They didn't respect the days, and I want to see.'

Ranieri added: 'The email arrived late. They have a time when they need to send a pre-call; if they don't send it, we can choose.'

The Athletic are reporting that Watford insist they were not notified in time that Dennis, who has scored seven goals for Ranieri's 17th-place side, was in consideration for a call-up from his country ahead of next month's tournament.

As a result, it is believed they feel there is an option to prevent their star striker from jetting off to AFCON in the midst of their relegation battle.

He was due to meet up with the Nigeria squad after Watford's Premier League clash with Tottenham on New Year's Day, but that has now been thrown into doubt.

Sources close to the player have revealed that while he is still hoping to go, Dennis does not want to cause any issues with his current employers.