Nigeria goalkeeper Rufai Abubakar joins Central Coast Mariners

Central Coast Mariners have signed 18-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper Rufai Abubakar from Mavlon FC.

Abubakar was selected for Nigeria’s squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and played a memorable part in the Flying Eagles U20 campaign, which ended with a third-place finish.

He was introduced late in the third-place play-off against Egypt and made two saves during the penalty shootout. Nigeria won 4-1 on penalties to secure the bronze medal.

The move to Australia takes Abubakar to the Central Coast, where Mariners sporting director Matt Simon said the teenager’s physical attributes and temperament had impressed the club.

“Rufai obviously has an incredible physique for a goalkeeper, but there is much more to succeeding in that position than being tall,” Simon said on the Central Coast Mariners website.

“What we really value is his mentality. Goalkeepers have to be comfortable under pressure, they have to make decisions and they need the confidence to perform when the important moments arrive.

“To be brought on in an international tournament match at his age, knowing there is going to be a penalty shootout, and then make two saves says a lot about his character.

“He is only 18 and has plenty of room to develop, which is what makes this opportunity so exciting.

“We believe we have an environment that is well suited to developing young players, and we are looking forward to working with Rufai and helping him take the next steps in his career.”

Abubakar said he was eager to begin his A-League career after completing the move.

“I am very happy and proud to join the Central Coast Mariners,” he said on the club’s website.

“Coming to Australia is a great opportunity for me and I am arriving with the mindset of working hard every day and continuing to improve.

“As a goalkeeper, there is always something to learn. I want to work with the coaches, give everything in training each day and learn from the other goalkeepers and players around me.

“Representing Nigeria taught me a great deal about pressure and responsibility, and I want to bring that same mentality to the Mariners.

“It is a new country, a new club and a new challenge for me. I cannot wait to get started and show the Mariners supporters who I am.”