By John Essien
Nigerian striker, Emmanuel Dennis has failed to register a single goal for his premier League club, Watford since turning down the chance to feature for the Super Eagles in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.
Recall that the 25-year-old forward was called up by Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen for the biennial showpiece, but his club had refused to release him, citing a late invitation as reason for Dennis’ absence.
According to Claudio Ranieri, Watford’s Manager, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) did not mail Dennis’ call-up on time.
The decision to miss out on AFCON may be one that will haunt Dennis and Watford for a long time to come, with the club yet to record a single win since the turn of the year, while Dennis has also failed to come off the mark.
The Hornets are currently battling relegation and now look far from winning after Friday’s 3-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Norwich City – a game which had him sent off after a second booking.
Since joining Vicarage road last summer, Dennis has been on a red-hot form for the Hornets, which has seen him scoop both the Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards for December.
Dennis, however, appear to be struggling for form in January as Watford losing streak continues.
So far, the former Club Brugge striker has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 21 games.
