Back home in Kinshasa, DR Congo, AFCON superfan Lumumba Vea received a special gift from the government. Sports Minister Didier Budimbu handed him a new green Jeep Wrangler on January 7 or 8, 2026. The license plate reads “CADEAU DU PRÉSIDENT,” meaning “Gift from the President.” It honours his dedication during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco. President Félix Tshisekedi plans to meet him soon.
The fan’s real name is Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, or occasionally Michel Kuka. People call him Lumumba Vea because he looks a lot like Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister and independence hero. Lumumba was assassinated in 1961.
His statue in Kinshasa shows him with a raised right arm. Mboladinga copied that exact pose. He stood completely still on a small pedestal for every full match the Leopards played. No movement at all, not even a blink, for 90 minutes or more with extra time.
He wore sharp, colourful suits in the national colours: yellow, blue, and red. Fans around him cheered and danced, but he stayed frozen. It started in the group stage. DR Congo drew with Senegal and beat Benin and Botswana. They advanced unbeaten.
Cameras kept showing him. Social media blew up with videos. People from across Africa asked for photos. Congolese supporters protected him from crowds. He became one of the biggest stories of the tournament, even though the team lost in the round of 16.
The exit came on January 6 against Algeria. It was a tough 1-0 loss after extra time. A late goal from Adil Boulbina sealed it. Mboladinga broke down in tears at the end. He slowly lowered his arm and stepped down. Algerian player Mohamed Amoura mocked the pose during celebrations.
That caused backlash. The Algerian federation apologised. They invited him to their hotel in Casablanca. He met the players and got a personalised Algeria jersey with “Lumumba” on the back. It showed respect after the tension.
Despite the heartbreak, his story touched many. He turned silence into a powerful symbol of pride and memory. For Congolese people, football offers escape from daily struggles. The country faces conflict in the east. The Leopards last won AFCON in 1974. Fans hoped for more this time. Coach Sébastien Desabre led a solid group stage. But the knockout loss ended the run.
Mboladinga trained hard for his act. He said he rehearses standing still for 45 to 50 minutes to build endurance. He wanted to give energy to the players. After the tournament, Morocco let him stay as a VIP until the final. Offers came to keep him there for money. He chose to go home. Now, the government recognises what he did.
The Jeep gift came soon after his return. Minister Budimbu presented it in a ceremony. Photos show him with the vehicle. It’s a green Jeep Wrangler, rugged and ready for the roads. Many see it as a thank you for putting DR Congo in a positive light. His viral moments brought joy during a hard time.
Fans online call him a national hero. Posts praise his commitment. Some say he showed more heart than some players. The story spread fast on X, Facebook, and news sites. It reminds everyone that AFCON is about more than scores. It’s about passion, history, and unity.
President Tshisekedi’s planned meeting adds to the honour. Mboladinga will likely share his experience. For a 53-year-old artist and father from Kinshasa, this changes his life. He went to Morocco as a supporter. He came back as a symbol.
The tournament moves on in Morocco. But Lumumba Vea’s stillness stays in memory. His tribute linked past heroes to today’s fans. DR Congo may not have the trophy, but they have pride from one man who stood firm.
