Nigeria youth international goalkeeper Abubakar Rufai has joined Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners from Mavlon FC.
The 18-year-old made headlines at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations after saving two penalties in the shoot-out against Egypt to help Nigeria secure the bronze medal.
That performance attracted interest from clubs in Europe and the Middle East, but Abubakar has opted for a move to Australia as he begins his professional career outside Nigeria.
A Mavlon official told Footy-Africa that Central Coast Mariners’ reputation for developing young players made the move a good fit for the goalkeeper.
“Everyone remembers him for the penalty shoot-out performance against Egypt, but he is more than that,” the official said.
“He is also a good shot-stopper and commands his area very well. This is a good step for him at the right time.”
Rufai has already been unveiled by Central Coast Mariners and joined his new teammates ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The teenager will now look to establish himself in Australia while continuing his development with ambitions of progressing to Nigeria’s Under-23 and senior national teams.
