Democratic Republic of Congo’s iconic superfan, Michel Kuka Mboladinga missed the team’s decisive FIFA World Cup clash against Uzbekistan after failing to secure a United States visa.
Mboladinga, widely known as “Lumumba Vea,” had earlier travelled to support DR Congo during the tournament and attended their 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Guadalajara. However, he was unable to travel to Atlanta for the must-win fixture because his visa application was unsuccessful.
Congolese Ambassador to the United States, Kapinga Yvette Ngandu, had expressed hope that Mboladinga would be granted a visa if DR Congo advanced to the knockout stage.
“I hope he brings his own brand of support to the team,” Ngandu told Reuters.
Mboladinga gained international recognition during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, where he stood motionless throughout DR Congo’s matches in tribute to the country’s first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba. Dressed in brightly coloured suits inspired by the national flag, he bore a striking resemblance to Lumumba and recreated the late leader’s famous raised-arm pose.
His distinctive style earned worldwide attention and upon returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, he was presented with a jeep by the Congolese government in recognition of his unwavering support.
Mboladinga’s previous arrival at the World Cup had already been delayed by travel restrictions affecting visitors from the Democratic Republic of the Congo following an Ebola outbreak in the country. According to government figures released before the match, the outbreak had resulted in 1,203 confirmed cases, including 321 deaths.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
