The coastal club said recently they were close to signing the Nigerian striker, whose contract with Tunisian side Etoile Sahel will expire next month.

However, their request to subject him to a trial in Tuesday's friendly game against Arab Contractors might prove to be the stumbling block for the deal's completion.

Ismaili are intensifying their efforts to convince Opara to take part in the game but he is yet to agree.

The Dervishes voiced concerns over the 24-year-old's lack of action during the past two seasons.

Opara scored eight goals to help Etoile reach the 2006 Confederation Cup final before joining German second-division side Kaiserslautern in January 2007. He returned to Etoile one year later.

Ismaili strikers have so far failed to score in the Egyptian Premier League, with their 11 goals coming from midfielders and defenders.

Tunisian Mohamed Selliti, who arrived in the close season, has had limited opportunities to prove his worth.

Mohamed Mohsen Abou-Greisha failed to replicate the form that saw him play a pivotal role in helping Ismaili finish runners-up to league champions Ahli last season.

Third striker Youssef Gamal, often a peripheral figure, has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a damaged cruciate ligament.