Central Coast Mariners have signed Nigerian junior international goalkeeper Rufai Abubakar.
Abubakar was selected for Nigeria’s squad in their 2025 African Cup of Nations campaign, and played a memorable role in the U20 Flying Eagles’ third placed finish in the tournament.
The 18-year-old came off the bench late in stoppage time in the third-place playoff against Egypt and made two saves as a penalty specialist to secure a bronze medal in a 4-1 shootout win.
Abubakar comes to the Central Coast from Nigerian club Mavlon FC.
Mariners’ Sporting Director Matt Simon highlighted Abubakar’s physical capability and mentality in explaining what excited the club about the young keeper.
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“Rufai obviously has an incredible physical presence for a goalkeeper, but you need much more than size to succeed in that position,” Simon said to the Central Coast Mariners’ website.
“What we really like is his mentality. Goalkeepers have to be comfortable with pressure, they have to make decisions and they need the confidence to stand up in big moments.
“To be brought into an international tournament match at his age, knowing you’re there for a penalty shootout, and then make two saves tells you something about the character of the player.”
“He is still only 18 and there is plenty of development ahead of him, which is what makes this opportunity exciting.
“We believe we have a strong environment for developing young players and we’re looking forward to working with Rufai and helping him take the next steps in his career.”
Abubakar himself said he is excited for the opportunity to play in the A-League.
“I am very happy and proud to be joining the Central Coast Mariners,” he said on the club website.
“Coming to Australia is a big opportunity for me and I am coming here with the mentality to work hard every day and keep improving.
“As a goalkeeper, you always have things you can learn. I want to work with the coaches, compete every day in training and learn from the other goalkeepers and players around me.
“Representing Nigeria has taught me a lot about pressure and responsibility, and I want to bring that same mentality with me to the Mariners.
“This is a new country, a new club and a new challenge for me.
“I am excited to get started and show the Mariners supporters who I am.”
Central Coast Mariners host reigning premiers Newcastle Jets in what is sure to be a hotly contested F3 Derby in the first Matchweek of the season – grab your tickets here!
