AFCON 2025: Egypt Battles Liverpool, Man City Over Salah, Marmoush Availability For Nigeria Clash

AFCON 2025: Egypt Battles Liverpool, Man City Over Salah, Marmoush Availability For Nigeria Clash

Sampson Adedeji

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) is currently awaiting official responses from Liverpool and Manchester City regarding the release of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for the Pharaohs’ international friendly against Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The seven-time African champions are scheduled to host the Super Eagles on December 14 at the Cairo International Stadium as part of preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco.

According to Filgoal, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has handed full responsibility of negotiations to EFA President Hani Abu Rida, who has already opened communication with both Premier League giants in an effort to secure the services of the two attackers.

However, the clubs have yet to issue a formal response. A major stumbling block remains the intense fixture schedule during the period, with both Liverpool and Manchester City facing a congested run of games in domestic and European competitions.

This has raised doubts over the possibility of Salah and Marmoush being released for the friendly clash.

The Pharaohs are hoping to assemble their strongest squad as they build towards reclaiming the AFCON title they last lifted in 2010.

Nigeria and Egypt are expected to field competitive lineups, making the friendly one of the major pre-AFCON tests for both nations.