Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo – Ruphin Lusungu, a promising young midfielder from the École de Football Nyiragongo, has completed a transfer to Stanique Football Club in Nigeria, the Congolese academy announced on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The move represents a significant step forward for both the player and the burgeoning partnership between footballing institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.
The transfer is more than just a player moving clubs; it’s a strategic alliance, according to officials at Nyiragongo. President Shabani Ramazani’s vision of “écofoot” – a holistic approach to player development focused on creating opportunities – is central to this initiative. The goal is to provide a pathway for the academy’s most talented players to gain international experience and potentially reach higher levels of the game.
Nyiragongo, established on May 20, 2004, has become a recognized hub for footballing talent in the Nord-Kivu province. For over two decades, the academy has nurtured approximately 150 young players, divided into seven age groups, in the city of Goma. The academy’s success isn’t limited to developing players for the domestic league; defender Abeli Safari is currently making a name for himself in the Zambian first division, demonstrating the reach of Nyiragongo’s training program.
Stanique FC, based in Ijebu Ode, Nigeria, operates as a branch of Stanique Management, a well-respected sports management organization in West Africa. The organization specializes in facilitating trials, transfers, and connections with clubs across Europe and beyond, offering Lusungu a potential springboard to even greater opportunities. Radiookapi.net reports that this partnership is considered a “prestige” agreement between the two nations.
Lusungu joined the École de Football Nyiragongo at the age of 12 and has progressed through all of the academy’s levels with distinction. His dedication and talent have made him a standout player, and this transfer is seen as a reward for his hard operate. Congoquotidien.com highlighted the move as a “coup d’éclat” for Congolese football.
The significance of this transfer extends beyond Lusungu’s individual career. It underscores the growing potential of Congolese football and the increasing recognition of its talent on the African continent. The partnership with Stanique FC provides a structured pathway for other young players from Nyiragongo to pursue their dreams of playing professionally.
Whereas details regarding the specifics of Lusungu’s contract with Stanique FC haven’t been publicly released, the move is expected to provide him with valuable experience in a competitive league. The Nigerian league is gaining prominence, and Stanique FC’s connections to European clubs could open doors for Lusungu in the future.
The transfer as well highlights the role of strong leadership in developing football talent. President Ramazani’s commitment to providing opportunities for young players, coupled with the academy’s rigorous training program, has created a fertile ground for success. The success of players like Safari and now Lusungu serves as an inspiration to the next generation of footballers at Nyiragongo.
On March 5, 2026, Stanique FC’s Instagram account announced the arrival of two novel talents to the club, signaling a continued investment in youth development. This suggests Lusungu will be joining a team focused on nurturing emerging players.
A recent YouTube video, titled “𝐑𝐮𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐔 𝐝é𝐣à 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐮 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚”, showcases Lusungu already making an impact with Stanique FC, further demonstrating the immediate positive effect of this transfer.
Ruphin Lusungu’s next challenge will be to establish himself as a key player for Stanique FC and contribute to the team’s success. Fans will be eager to see him in action and witness his development as he embarks on this new chapter in his career. The club’s schedule and upcoming matches will be crucial to follow as Lusungu integrates into the team.
The partnership between École de Football Nyiragongo and Stanique FC is a positive development for football in both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. It demonstrates the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in youth development. As Lusungu begins his journey with Stanique FC, he carries the hopes and dreams of an entire academy and a nation with him.
What are your thoughts on this exciting transfer? Share your predictions for Ruphin Lusungu’s future in the comments below!
