Omosebi Babatunde’s Brace Fires Etoile de l’Est into Promotion Playoff
Nigerian forward Omosebi Babatunde delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, netting a brace to de l’Est FC to a resounding 7-1 victory over Arpha FC. The emphatic win, which took place on April 6, 2025, in the final game of the 2024/2025 Ferwafa Men’s Second Division regular season, secured the Rwandan side’s place at the top of Group A with 55 points.
With this result, Etoile de l’Est now qualifies automatically for the upcoming promotion playoffs as they aim to return to Rwanda’s top flight. Babatunde, who joined the club on loan from Inter Lagos FC in January, opened the scoring early in the first half before netting his second in the 68th minute. He now boasts six goals and five assists in just ten appearances for the club.
After the match, the 24-year-old expressed his commitment to the team’s promotion objective. “I’m delighted we made it to the promotion playoff. I will give my all to ensure we gain promotion because this was the reason I signed for this great club: to take them back to the top where we belong.”
Etoile de l’Est’s dominant display underlines their determination to return to top tier football in Rwanda, with Babatunde at the heart of their promotion ambitions.
Editorial
Omosebi Babatunde’s impact at Etoile de l’Est has been transformative. In just ten games, he’s delivered both goals and leadership a potent combination for a club with eyes firmly fixed on promotion. His brace in the season finale wasn’t just another stat it was a statement.
It’s easy to forget that Babatunde arrived in Rwanda on a short-term loan, but the weight of expectation hasn’t hindered him; it has fuelled him. His contributions have revitalised Etoile de l’Est and injected belief into a team that knows where it wants to go.
In a footballing ecosystem where many African players are constantly seeking the next big European opportunity, Babatunde’s focus on making an impact locally is refreshing. It speaks to professionalism and a deep understanding of responsibility. He didn’t just come to play he came to deliver.
As the playoffs approach, Etoile de l’Est must build on this momentum. The margins will be finer, the games tighter, but if Babatunde maintains this form, they’ll be the team to beat.
Did You Know?
- Etoile de l’Est FC, based in Ngoma District, were relegated from Rwanda’s top flight in the 2022/23 season.
- Omosebi Babatunde previously played for Immaculate FC and Inter Lagos in Nigeria before moving to Rwanda.
- The Ferwafa Men’s Second Division promotion playoff involves the top teams from each group battling for two available top flight slots.
- The 7-1 scoreline is Etoile de l’Est’s biggest win of the 2024/25 season.
- Rwandan football allows foreign players to register mid-season under special performance-based exceptions.
