Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, a passionate fan of the Democratic Republic of Congo, drew global attention following his “statue” pose during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matches.
Michel has been nicknamed ‘Lumumba Vea’ for standing at a near standstill throughout the matches, dressed in an outfit featuring the colours of the DR Congo’s flag.
For the full DR Congo’s round of 16 match, including extra time, he remained still with his right arm raised.
Michel Nkuka Early Life and Football Passion
Nkuka was born on September 26, 1976, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he developed his love for football.
From childhood, he attended local matches and followed the national team, developing a passion that would eventually bring him international recognition.
His passion also led the country to sponsor him, along with other fans, to attend the AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Also Read: How to Watch AFCON Finals as Senegal Face Hosts Morocco
AFCON 2025: From Fan to Icon
Nkuka rose to prominence during AFCON 2025 in Morocco by standing motionless on a pedestal at every DR Congo match.
Dressed as Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first Prime Minister, he raised his right arm in imitation of the Lumumba statue in Kinshasa, creating a striking, symbolic visual that combined sports, history, and national pride.
He maintained this statue-like pose throughout DR Congo’s matches, including the group stage and the Round of 16 against Algeria, holding the pose for the full 90 minutes plus extra time.
Nkuka reportedly received an offer to stay until the end of AFCON 2025, with reports saying he would have been paid $2,000 (Ksh258,000) per match, but he rejected the offer.
Algeria Apologizes to DR Congo
During the Round of 16 match against Algeria, striker Mohamed Amine Amoura appeared to mimic Nkuka’s pose after scoring, which many fans interpreted as mocking the tribute.
The incident sparked backlash, prompting the Algerian Football Federation to issue an apology to DR Congo.
Amoura also publicly expressed regret, saying he never intended to provoke anyone.
“At that moment, I wasn’t aware of what the person or symbol in the stands represented. I simply wanted to joke around, in a good-natured way, without any ill intent or desire to provoke anyone,” stated Amoura on Instagram.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: Unpacking Prize Money for the Winner, Runners-Up, and Knockout Stages
DR Congo’s Recognition and Gifts
Nkuka’s dedication and passion have drawn attention from DRC authorities.
The Minister of Sports, Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga, has honored him for his exceptional contribution to national pride, and on 18th January 2025, he personally visited him.
As part of this recognition, Nkuka has received:
- A brand-new Jeep Wrangler with a custom license plate reading “CADEAU DU PRÉSIDENT” (Gift from the President)
- Presidential appreciation for his symbolic and diplomatic impact
- An official office to support his ambassadorial role in sports and culture
- A house
Congolese music legend Koffi Olomide also praised Nkuka’s impact, contrasting him with the costly DR Congo football campaigns.
“The DRC spent more than 50 million on Barcelona, Monaco, and AC Milan to seek visibility, but a simple guy without a car, nor a house, nor an entourage, but LUMUMBA VEA has made an entire country shine internationally. And yet he didn’t utter a single word or a slogan, but with his silence, he is more than an ambassador. This man… but everyone is waiting for him to be received by the President of the Republic, and yet it is the government’s responsibility,” said Olomide.
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