Egypt have decided to rest star players Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for their upcoming international friendly against Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The coaching crew explained that the decision was made to manage the players’ fitness after a long and demanding club season.

According to reports from the Egyptian camp, the friendly will be used to test new players and fine-tune tactics rather than rely on big names. The technical team believes this approach will help them assess squad depth and give other players a chance to prove themselves before the AFCON tournament begins.

For Nigeria, the match remains an important preparation game despite Egypt’s decision. The Super Eagles are expected to use the fixture to build team chemistry, try different combinations, and sharpen their match readiness ahead of the continental competition. Coaches on both sides see the friendly as a useful exercise.

Fans have shared mixed reactions to the news, with some disappointed that Salah and Marmoush will not feature, while others understand the need to protect key players. As AFCON 2025 draws closer, both Egypt and Nigeria are focused on arriving at the tournament in top condition.