Rabiu Afolabi (born 18 April 1980 in Osogbo, Nigeria) is a Nigerian soccer player.

[edit] Career

Afolabi left his home country for Belgian outfit Standard Liège after impressing at the 1997 edition of the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup. He signed for Italian Serie A side SSC Napoli ahead of the 2000-2001 season, but failed to break into the first team, and went back to Belgium before the season was over. After he leaving FC Sochaux at the end of 2008-2009 season on free agent, he signed a two-year contract with Red Bull Salzburg.

[edit] Attributes

He is a strong and lanky central defender, who is good aerially and has a thunderous shot. He is also very versatile and can play as a fullback or defensive midfielder as well. Dangerous on set pieces.

[edit] International Career

Played a vital role for Nigeria in the 1999 African Youth Championship, coming from defence to score the two goals against Cameroon in the semi-final. Nigeria eventually finished second in the tournament after losing 0-1 to the hosts, Ghana, in the final. He then captained the Nigerian U-20 team in the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship in Nigeria. He made his full international debut in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone, in June 17, 2000. He plays for Nigeria national football team and was a participant at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

[edit] Trivia

His name, Afolabi, means "Born into wealth".^[1]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• National Football Teams Profile
• Official Website

v • d • e Nigeria squad – 2002 FIFA World Cup 1 Shorunmu • 2 Yobo • 3 Babayaro • 4 Kanu • 5 Okoronkwo • 6 West • 7 Ikedia • 8 Adepoju • 9 Ogbeche • 10 Okocha • 11 Lawal • 12 Ejide • 13 Afolabi • 14 Udeze • 15 Justice • 16 Sodje • 17 Aghahowa • 18 Akwuegbu • 19 Ejiofor • 20 Obiorah • 21 Utaka • 22 Enyeama • 23 Opabunmi • Coach: Onigbinde

v • d • e Nigeria squad – 2008 Africa Cup of Nations 1 Enyeama • 2 Yobo • 3 Taiwo • 4 Kanu • 5 Nwaneri • 6 Shittu • 7 Utaka • 8 Yakubu • 9 Martins • 10 Mikel • 11 Odemwingie • 12 Ejide • 13 Afolabi • 14 Olofinjana • 15 Uche • 16 Etuhu • 17 Makinwa • 18 Obinna • 19 Emeghara • 20 Okonkwo • 21 Eromoigbe • 22 Apam • 23 Aiyenugba • Coach: Vogts

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