Congo DR’s ‘Living Statue’ Fan Finally Debuts at World Cup

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as Lumumba Vea, stood motionless behind the DR Congo bench as he finally attended his country’s FIFA World Cup match in Guadalajara. He missed the opening game against Portugal due to Ebola quarantine rules but returned for the second match against Colombia in his trademark bright red jacket, yellow shirt and blue trousers. Once the whistle blew, he resumed his statue-like pose with his right arm raised. Lumumba Vea rose to fame at the Africa Cup of Nations for dressing like independence leader Patrice Lumumba and remaining perfectly still throughout matches. He also missed DR Congo’s playoff win over Jamaica this year after visa delays. DR Congo drew 1-1 with Portugal and suffered a 1-0 defeat to Colombia. This long-awaited World Cup appearance at last made the fan a global talking point.

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