Supporter Honours Lumumba at 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a supporter stood out not just for his enthusiasm for the team but also for his unique tribute: remaining completely still throughout the match, mimicking the commemorative statue of PatriceLumumba in Kinshasa.
Michel Nkoka Mbouladinga, known in the media as the "Living Lumumba", has become a focal point of the tournament by adopting this approach to honor the independence hero of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister who was assassinated in 1961.
Nkoka raises his right arm and remains motionless like a living statue throughout the game, even when his team scores, contrasting sharply with the surrounding fans who are full of energy and movement.
Lumumba is historically recognized for his fight against Belgian colonialism and was brutally murdered:
Just four days after his death, his body was dismembered and dissolved in acid.
A former Belgian policeman, Gérard Soit, revealed in a 1999 television interview that he was tasked with this gruesome job and kept Lumumba's teeth as a memento for many years. In a symbolic act, Belgium returned the last remaining tooth of Lumumba to his family in 2022.
In a statement to the Associated Press, Nkoka said:
"I remain still to give strength and energy to the team. Everyone plays their part, and I do mine."
He trains before each match to stay motionless for 45 to 50 minutes, making additional time and penalty shootouts particularly challenging.
Despite the fatigue and media attention, Nkoka takes pride in representing Lumumba's spirit and providing extraordinary moral support to the team.
He stated: "He gave us the freedom to express ourselves; he sacrificed his life for our freedom. He is a role model and part of our family."
So far, Nkoka has not met the players in person, but he believes they appreciate his efforts and support for the team, embodying courage and sacrifice, much like the Congolese leader himself.
