Egypt ended their journey in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a penalty shootout loss to Nigeria in the bronze medal match after a goalless draw in regular time.
Abu Zahra's statements came after the Egyptian national team exited the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having finished in fourth place.
Mustafa Abu Zahra said in televised remarks about his conversation with the national team captain: “I had a long conversation with Mohamed Salah after the Nigeria match. He truly cares about the country and expressed his readiness to cooperate on more than one issue, including the issue of naturalized players and the possibility of talking to any player to convince him to represent the national team, as well as his desire to work to serve Egyptian football. There are other details that I will reveal at the appropriate time.”
He added: "Salah assured me of his readiness to help Egyptian football. He has set a great example throughout the tournament and I hope he continues for as long as possible."
Abu Zahra also confirmed that Hossam Hassan will continue in his position as the technical director of the national team during the next stage, revealing that four friendly matches will be played in preparation for the World Cup, in addition to holding meetings with the technical staff after returning to Egypt to determine their technical and administrative needs.
Salah managed to score 4 goals and provide one assist throughout Egypt's journey in the continental cup and would have won the top scorer title had he scored in the last two matches against Senegal and Nigeria.
