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Claudio Ranieri insists Watford did NOT disrespect Nigeria over the treatment of Emmanuel Dennis... with the Hornets boss adamant the Super Eagles MISSED the deadline to call up the striker for Africa Cup of Nations

Claudio Ranieri has insisted Watford have not disrespected the Africa Cup of Nations after Emmanuel Dennis was confirmed as missing the tournament.

Nigeria accused Watford of 'baring fangs' in confirming striker Dennis had not made the Super Eagles' 28-man squad for AFCON.

But Hornets manager Ranieri remains adamant Watford and Nigeria bosses thrashed out the situation between them, with the end result that Dennis will remain at Vicarage Road.

Emmanuel Dennis will not link up with Nigeria at AFCON, with the striker 'excused' from duty
Hornets boss Claudio Ranieri said Nigeria missed a deadline to inform them of his inclusion

Nigeria missed the deadline to request Dennis' release from Watford, but have since expressed frustrations in an official statement on Instagram - which Ranieri has moved to downplay.