Algerian Football Federation Apologizes to Congolese Superfan Amid Controversy

The Algerian Football Federation has extended an apology to a Congolese superfan, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who has gained considerable attention during the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco.

Mboladinga has been passionately supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by dressing as the esteemed first leader, Patrice Lumumba, and maintaining a statue-like stance throughout each match. He stood on a pedestal with his right arm raised, emulating Lumumba’s iconic statue in Kinshasa, while fellow fans cheered him on.

However, following Algeria’s victory over the Leopards on Tuesday, Algerian player Mohamed Amine Amoura faced criticism for imitating Mboladinga and collapsing as if the statue had been toppled. In response to the backlash, Amoura took to Instagram to clarify that his actions were not meant to offend the DRC.

“In that moment, I was unaware of the significance of the person or symbol in the stands. My intention was to joke in a light-hearted manner, without any ill will or desire to provoke anyone,” stated Amoura, who also plays for the German club Wolfsburg.

Lumumba is revered not only in the DRC, where he was assassinated in 1961 in a conspiracy involving Belgium, the UK, and the US, but he is also celebrated as a prominent figure in Africa’s anti-colonial movement.

After Amoura’s apology, the Algerian Football Association (FAF) invited Mboladinga—who bears a striking resemblance to Lumumba—to meet the North African team at their hotel in Rabat. As Mboladinga was unable to travel to the capital, FAF media officer Saïd Fellak visited him at the Novotel Hotel in Casablanca on Wednesday evening.

During the visit, Fellak presented Mboladinga with a Desert Foxes jersey emblazoned with “Lumumba” on the back. Congolese fans captured videos and photos of the heartfelt encounter, which included Congolese Sports Minister Didier Budimbu.

It remains uncertain whether the Lumumba superfan and his pedestal will make an appearance in Mexico, where the Leopards are slated to compete in the much-anticipated intercontinental World Cup qualifiers this coming March.

Six teams will vie for the final two spots available for the World Cup, which is set to commence in June. Algeria has already secured its place in the tournament, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, and Amoura expressed his hopes of witnessing the Leopards qualify as well.

“I have great respect for Congo and their team. I genuinely wish them the best and hope they secure a spot in the World Cup,” he remarked.