DR Congo’s famous “living statue” supporter Michel Nkuka Mboladinga will miss the World Cup clash against England after failing to secure a US visa in time, with a younger stand-in taking his place.
DR Congo Superfan Replaced
DR Congo’s talismanic superfan won’t be in the stands for the biggest match of the tournament. Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, famed for standing motionless throughout games in tribute to independence hero Patrice Lumumba, has been ruled out of the round-of-32 clash with England after visa processing delays left him stranded in Mexico, The Telegraph reports.
Stepping into his shoes is Enock Kabwende, nicknamed “Lumumba Junior,” who has been training in Atlanta to nail the iconic pose. DR Congo’s ambassador, Yvette Kapinga Ngandu, said Mboladinga’s visa wasn’t rejected — it simply wasn’t processed in time.
Mboladinga has cut his striking figure in red, yellow and blue at matches since 2013, becoming a fixture at AFCON and now the World Cup.
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