The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has extended a formal apology to Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the Congolese superfan who has emerged as an unofficial mascot of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Mboladinga captured global attention by supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo team while impersonating the nation’s assassinated first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, standing motionless on a pedestal throughout matches with his right arm raised in tribute.
The controversy erupted following Algeria’s dramatic 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Tuesday’s round of 16 match. Algerian forward Mohamed Amine Amoura triggered widespread criticism when he mimicked collapsing to the ground in a gesture that appeared to mock Mboladinga’s statue-like pose. The Wolfsburg player subsequently issued a public apology on Instagram, clarifying that his actions were intended as good-natured humor without malicious intent toward DR Congo or its symbolic figure.
In a diplomatic resolution effort, FAF’s media officer Saïd Fellak traveled to Casablanca to personally meet with Mboladinga and present him with an official Algerian national team jersey bearing the name ‘Lumumba’ on the back. The reconciliation ceremony, attended by Congolese Sports Minister Didier Budimbu, was documented by Congolese supporters and shared across social media platforms.
Historical context underscores the sensitivity of the incident: Patrice Lumumba remains a revered anti-colonial icon across Africa, particularly in DR Congo where he was assassinated in 1961 in a plot involving Western powers. Mboladinga’s tribute, featuring period-accurate hairstyle and glasses, transformed him into a living monument throughout Congo’s four AFCON matches.
The sporting drama unfolded during a tense match decided by Adil Boulbina’s 119th-minute goal, securing Algeria’s quarter-final placement against Nigeria while eliminating DR Congo from the tournament. Despite the elimination, Amoura expressed hope that DR Congo would qualify for the upcoming World Cup, for which Algeria has already secured placement.