Pinnick reveals how Rohr played a part in Dennis’ AFCON miss

NFF President Amaju Pinnick has revealed that the Nigerian Federation were truly late in notifying Watford of the pre-call of Emmanuel Dennis.

Fans of the Super Eagles were left disappointed when news broke last week that the in-form Watford forward has been withdrawn from the 28-man squad list for AFCON 2021.

The sad news however did not come across as a shocking one for followers of national team as the Hornets’ boss Claudio Raineri had hinted beforehand that the club may not release the player for the continental competition as they received notification of his call-up to the provisional squad late.

Pinnick has now confirmed the assertion of the Italian gaffer, while putting the blame on erstwhile Eagles coach Gernot Rohr for snubbing Dennis while compiling the initial provisional squad list.

“There are statutory provisions regarding inviting players , we were given the deadline for the first list,” the NFF chief explained in an interview with Arise TV.

“In a big tournament you submit a first list comprised of 37-40 players in case there are injuries or you can replace or bring in some new players.

“The first list that was submitted by our first coach Gernot Rohr on the 15th excluded Dennis, that was the origin of the problem.

“Dennis I’m in touch with him, he wants to play for Nigeria, he loves the country but you can also see that some clubs are very stubborn especially those ones that are struggling.”

Slavia Prague winger Peter Olayinka was the player called up to replace Dennis in the squad.