Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis and fellow attacker Victor Osimhen have both dropped out of Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Hornets have reportedly refused to release Dennis, who has netted eight Premier League goals this season.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said Dennis had been exempted because Watford were “baring fangs”.
Osimhen who announces his availability on his social media has been ruled out following a positive Covid test.
He suffered a facial fracture in November and was expected to rule the Napoli frontman out of the tournament, which starts on 9 January in Cameroon.
Dennis, 24, will now be available for Watford’s league games against fellow strugglers Newcastle and Norwich, as well as their FA Cup third round tie at Leicester City on 8 January.
Watford manager Claudio Ranieri said: “I knew the board and Nigerian board were speaking. I accept every decision they find and that for me is finished.”
Asked whether the decision for Dennis to remain with his club disrespected Afcon, Ranieri added: “No. They have a lot of players and then they changed the managers and everything. We were ready to give over the players, they didn’t do it. The two boards spoke and for me it is OK.
“Of course he wanted to go to play but he also wanted to help Watford.”
Dennis and Osimhen have been replaced by Sparta Prague striker Peter Olayinka and Olympiakos forward Henry Onyekuru.
