FC Saint Eloi Lupopo star Raphaël Olise Osaluwe coming to South Africa

Congolese side FC Saint Eloi Lupopo have sent their injured Nigerian star Raphaël Olise Osaluwe to South Africa for specialist treatment. The defender suffered from a leg injury during a CAF Champions League match against Orlando Pirates in October.

Osaluwe was unable to finish the second preliminary round first leg match at Stade Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi where the Democratic Republic of the Congo league champions won the tie 3-0.

After initial medical treatment on the Nigerian, Lupopo’s management has decided to refer him to a hospital in South Africa for further attention.

Who else has travelled with the Lupopo star?

Osaluwe left Congo for Johannesburg on Wednesday alongside Lupopo’s physiotherapist Yves, who has since given an update on the player’s injury.

“After the injury, we started the treatment on the same day at the stadium and in the clinic and we put the point knee. We just want to assure you that the specialised care is very suitable and tailored for you,” the team’s doctor said in a recorded video.

“I think after this care, you will recover. The club loves you so much. This act of kindness shows the total commitment of the club and its president to the player. The whole club looks forward to his recovery.”

In a statement, Lupopo says their decision to send the Nigerian defender outside the country for the specialist treatment is “a testament of our team’s president Jacques Kyabula’s constant plea for the health and wellbeing of our athletes.”

Coach Guy Bukasa’s wards beat the Soweto giants 5-4 on post-match penalties on October 25, 2025 in Johannesburg to progress to the group stages.

The two teams had tied three-all on aggregate over the two legs of the Champions League second preliminary round before the penalties separated them.

Meanwhile, the Linafoot Ligue 1 defending champions have been drawn in Group C alongside the South African giants, Al Hilal (Sudan) and MC Alger (Algeria). The draw took place on Monday