×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Informed Minds Prefer The Standard
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Lumumba Vea: DR Congo's 'human statue' and superfan finally arrives at the World Cup

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Congolese supporter Michel Nkuka Mboladinga raises his arm during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 round of 16 match between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on January 6, 2025. [Abu Adem Muhammed/AFP]

One of African football's most recognisable supporters will finally have his long-awaited World Cup moment.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's famous superfan, Michael Nkuka Mboladinga, popularly known as Lumumba Vea, arrived in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Monday after overcoming a series of travel setbacks that had initially threatened to deny him the chance to support his country at football's biggest stage.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Uncover the stories others won't tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
By Mose Sammy 19 hrs ago
Sports
Patrick Kanjuki raids the bar in Thika
Sports
Song and dance as World Anti-Doping Agency boss comes calling
Sports
Susan maintains ladies' dominance at Nyali
By Mose Sammy 1 day ago
Sports
Muthiga rules Vet memorial tourney