2026 World Cup: DR Congo’s famous ‘supporter statue’ to be replaced for England clash

Famed Congolese superfan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as “Lumumba Vea,” will not be in attendance for DR Congo’s round of 16 showdown against England in Atlanta. Stuck in Mexico, he failed to obtain his US visa in time.

The world will not see DR Congo’s iconic supporter Lumumba Vea in the stands when the Leopards take on England. Denied a visa, he will miss the match. The superstar fan will be replaced by another supporter who will recreate his living statue act. Since 2013, Mboladinga has become a symbol of the Leopards’ spirit. Dressed in a suit in DR Congo’s colors—red, yellow, and blue—he stands motionless throughout every match, mirroring the pose of the Patrice Lumumba statue, the nation’s first Prime Minister and a symbol of Congolese independence.

His alter ego, “Lumumba Vea” (“Lumumba lives”), shot to international fame at AFCON 2026 and now at this World Cup.

‘Lumumba Junior’ to carry the torch

To keep the tradition alive, Enock Kabwende—nicknamed “Lumumba Junior”—will take his place in the Atlanta stands. The younger fan has trained to perfectly mimic his predecessor’s iconic, motionless poses throughout the games.

“I want to keep this culture alive. Even if Michel isn’t here, we must represent our country. Patrice Lumumba stands for freedom, strength, and the prosperity of our nation,” Kabwende declared.

Visa not processed in time

According to DR Congo’s ambassador to the United States, Yvette Kapinga Ngandu, Mboladinga’s visa application was not rejected, but simply not processed before the match.

“Lumumba Vea is here in spirit. He means so much to our nation, and now to many others as well. If he gets his visa, perhaps it will be after our victory over England,” she said optimistically.

She believes the Leopards’ World Cup journey is an opportunity to showcase another side of DR Congo:

“We want to show the world that our country is not just about crises or disease, but is driven by a resilient people.”

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.