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

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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.

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