DR Congo end their 52-year wait to appear in a World Cup final but they will be without the support of their beloved superfan.
Lumumba Vea, real name Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, is the DR Congo’s superfan who went viral at the Africa Cup of Nations for standing like a statue for 90 minutes in tribute to the country’s first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba.
After conversations, the DR Congo decided to include him as part of their delegation heading to the World Cup but, sadly, he won’t be in Houston to watch them take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Will the DR Congo superfan be at the Portugal game?
Sadly, despite getting the all clear to head stateside, Mboladinga won’t be in Houston to see their opening game.
It isn’t entirely clear why he isn’t there, but it may be to do with the start date of his visa.
He was there for their pre-World Cup warm-up friendly against Denmark in Liege, Belgium, but sadly won’t be there to grace his presence in the stands.
Probably for the best if Ronaldo is planning on trying any long-range shots.
Thankfully he will be there for their game against Uzbekistan on Sunday 28 June, which could be vital for their chances of qualification.
