Watford boss Claudio Ranieri denies insulting Nigerian football by blocking Emmanuel Dennis’ AFCON selection.
Dennis has been ‘excused’ from the squad in a major boost for fourth-bottom Watford who were accused by the Nigeria Football Federation of ‘baring fangs’ ahead of the frontman’s removal from the squad.
Dennis, Watford’s eight-goal top scorer, had been included in Augustine Eguavoen’s 28-man party for the tournament in Cameroon.
“I knew they were speaking, the Watford board and Nigeria board and I accept every decision they’re fine and that for me is finished,” Ranieri told a press conference on Friday.
“No [we have not insulted AFCON]. We respect everybody. They have a lot of players and they changed the manager then changed everything.
“We were ready to give them players. They didn’t do this and the two boards spoke and for me it’s ok. I am only the manager, the coach and I accept everything.”
