Mavlon FC’s Rufai Abubakar inspires Nigeria to bronze with penalty heroics

By Samuel Ahmadu

Goalkeeper Rufai Abubakar was the hero for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles as his late-game heroics in a dramatic penalty shootout sealed a bronze medal at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Abubakar, who plies his trade with Mavlon FC of Lagos, made his tournament debut in the dying minutes of the third-place match, replacing regular shot-stopper Nathaniel Yakub just before the final whistle. The tactical switch by Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu proved decisive.

Calm under pressure, Abubakar delivered a standout performance, saving two penalties and ensuring Nigeria converted all four of their own spot kicks to defeat host nation Egypt 4-1 in the shootout.

Despite the deafening support from the home fans, Abubakar showed impressive composure and confidence, emerging as the match-winner and earning plaudits from fans and technical observers alike.

The result secured Nigeria’s fifth bronze medal in the history of the U-20 AFCON. The Flying Eagles remain one of the tournament’s most successful teams, with seven championship titles and two runners-up finishes to their names.