According to Zamalek's football director Ibrahim Hassan, Shika decided to end his international career prematurely because he had been repeatedly snubbed by the Pharaohs' technical staff.

Hassan also cited the pacey schemer's verbal exchange with Ahli's fans in the Cairo derby on Thursday as another reason why he doesn't want to wear Egypt's jersey again.

Shikabala hasn't commented on his staggering decision yet. He was named for the friendly tournament and Egypt's coaching staff members will sit down with him soon.

"We included him in the squad in an attempt to contain the situation," Egypt's assistant coach Hamada Sedki told FilGoal.com.

"We will meet with him to discuss the reasons why he retired from international football. We want to help him overcome the depression that urged him to make such a decision."

The Nile Basin States tournament takes place in Cairo from 5 to 17 January.

Egypt's squad:

Goalkeepers: Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed, Mohamed Sobhi, Amir Abdul-Hamid

Defenders: Wael Gomaa, Mahmoud Fathallah, Mohamed Nagib, Sherif Hazem, Ahmed Samir Farag

Midfielders: Ahmed Fathi, Abdullah Al-Shahat, Mohamed Abdul-Shafi, Hossam Ghaly, Hosni Abd-Rabou, Ibrahim Salah, Amr Al-Sulaya, Mohamed Abou-Treika, Shikabala, Ahmed Eid, Walid Soliman, Abdullah Al-Saied, Ayman Hefni

Strikers: Geddo, Ahmed Belal, Ahmed Ali, Al-Sayed Hamdi