Multiple reports, including allnigeriasoccer, have confidently stated that Flying Eagles goalkeeper Rufai Abubakar is garnering interest from English clubs this summer.
The Mavlon FC goalkeeper had a limited role with the Flying Eagles during the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations held in Egypt, where he made a brief one-minute appearance in the third-place playoff against the host country.
Abubakar emerged as the hero during the shootout victory over the Young Pharaohs, successfully saving two penalty kicks from Ahmed Kabaka and Mohamed Atef, which helped the Nigeria U20s clinch the bronze medal.
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This website reached out to the Lagos-based academy Mavlon FC for further information, but the club courteously declined to disclose the names of the English clubs interested in evaluating Abubakar, citing the goalkeeper’s status as a minor.
Article 19 of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players aims to safeguard minors by generally prohibiting international transfers of players under the age of 18, with certain exceptions such as those within the EU/EEA or for players living near national borders.
The goalkeeper, born in 2008, will not be eligible to sign a professional contract with an English club until the January transfer window of 2026.
Abubakar was included in Mavlon FC’s squad for the 2025 Viareggio Cup in March, participating in two matches against Imolese and Red Star.
