Despite playing for First Division side Al-Kawkab, Al-Nafisah made the national team squad for the 1984 AFC Asian Cup. Al-Nafisah famously scored the first goal in the final against China as the Falcons won the match 2–0 to win their first Asian Cup title. Years later, Al-Nafisah stated that he did not expect to start the final and was in disbelief when Khalil Al-Zayani called out his name when reading the line-up. Al-Nafisah also stated that on the night of the match he told teammate Abdullah Al-Deayea that he will score against China. His performances in the tournament led Al-Nafisah to stardom and he received many offers from big clubs such as Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Al-Nafisah rejected their offers and preferred to stay at Al-Kawkab to remain close to his family.