The Egyptian Football Association is awaiting official responses from Liverpool and Manchester City regarding the availability of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for the Pharaohs’ upcoming friendly against Nigeria, according to Filgoal.

The Pharaohs, who are the must successful team in the history of the Afcon, will face Nigeria in a friendly match on December 14 at Cairo Stadium as part of their preparations for the tournament in Morocco.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has entrusted the matter entirely to EFA President Hani Abu Rida, who has already initiated contact with the two Premier League clubs in an effort to secure the players' release for the friendly match with the Super Eagles, but  no formal replies have been received so far.

A key point of contention remains whether Salah and Marmoush can realistically participate in the Nigeria friendly, given the fixture congestion both clubs face.

Liverpool host Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday, December 13, while Manchester City take on Crystal Palace the following day, the same date scheduled for the Nigeria match.

With the tournament fast approaching, the Egyptian FA now awaits clarity from both clubs as it finalises preparations for the continental showpiece in Morocco.

Nigeria may also be without several of their Premier League stars for the friendly against Egypt, with Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey's Fulham scheduled to face Burnley on December 13, while Tolu Arokodare's Wolverhampton Wanderers are due to travel to Arsenal on the same day.

Brentford's Frank Onyeka is all but ruled out of the friendly as the Bees take on Leeds United on December 14.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel