Interim Nigeria manager Augustine Eguavoen has shed light on the withdrawal of red-hot Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis from the Super Eagles 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad.

The former Super Eagles captain has suggested that Dennis rejected the call-up because he was threatened by Premier League strugglers Watford.

Watford are the only club in the whole of Europe that sensationally claimed that the Nigeria Football Federation sent out the letters of invitation late - something which was disputed by a top NFF official and makes no sense considering that four fresh invitation letters were sent out this week.

In truth, the leadership of the Hornets including manager Claudio Ranieri has shown disrespect towards the country and the Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking to NFF TV, Eguavoen explained : "We tried to reach out to the club, the club said we will not allow Dennis to go, and Dennis also told me that his club is doing everything humanely possible for him not to be at the AFCON, I can't force it.

"I reported the matter to the authority, they also tried, that was why we had to wait until about the last second before we could push the button.

"Dennis said he wants to come but his club was threatening him, so what do we do if a player doesn't want to come, what are you going to do? We have to play with what we have."