Egyptian journalist Ahmed Abaza has suggested that Mohamed Salah may not start Egypt’s international friendly against Nigeria later today, as the Pharaohs continue to carefully manage the forward’s physical and mental condition ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Speaking as Egypt put the finishing touches to their AFCON preparations, Abaza revealed that the technical crew are prioritizing Salah’s overall fitness rather than risking him in a non-competitive fixture.
“There is a possibility that Salah may not start against Nigeria. The coaches want to be sure he is right physically and mentally,” Abaza said.
The journalist explained that the friendly is being used primarily as a tuning-up exercise, allowing the coaching staff to assess squad balance, fitness levels, and tactical options rather than focusing on star power.
“This is a preparation game. AFCON is the priority, so they are being cautious with key players like Salah,” he added.
Abaza also noted that Salah’s recent club situation has drawn attention in Egypt, prompting the national team to shield him from unnecessary pressure as the tournament approaches.
“There has been a lot around Salah recently, and the national team wants him calm, focused, and fully ready for AFCON,” he explained.
He further revealed that Salah is not the only player being monitored, with a few members of the squad also managing fitness concerns ahead of the competition.
“Some other players are also being assessed. The coaches want to avoid injuries at this stage,” Abaza said.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Salah’s involvement, Abaza stressed that Egypt remain confident in their depth and approach.
“This is not about one player. The friendly is an opportunity to test the squad,” he noted.
Nigeria and Egypt’s meeting, though a friendly, remains a high-profile encounter between two African heavyweights, offering both teams a valuable chance to fine-tune preparations.
“Even as a friendly, matches like this are important for confidence and organization,” Abaza concluded.
The final decision on Salah’s involvement will be made close to kickoff, with Egypt keen to balance caution with competitive sharpness ahead of AFCON.
