GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Congo DR famous living statue finally make im FIFA World Cup debut on Tuesday.
Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, wey gain fame during Africa Cup of Nations for posing as statue of Congo DR assassinated independence leader Patrice Lumumba for whole game, attend Congo DR match against Colombia after dem miss opener against Portugal because of Ebola quarantine requirements.
Lumumba Vea, as di sharply dressed supporter be known for im resemblance to di slain leader, dey im seat about one hour before game at Estadio Akron. Im wear bright red jacket and tie, yellow shirt and blue pants.
When game begin, im stand motionless on pedestal behind Congo DR bench with im right arm raised. Im no want interview, but nod and smile when dem ask if im happy to finally make am to World Cup.
Congo DR play Portugal to 1-1 draw last week for Houston. Dem lose 1-0 to Colombia on Tuesday.
Nkuka Mboladinga also miss Congo DR World Cup playoff match against Jamaica earlier dis year — when im nation secure return to tournament after 52 years — because im no fit get visa in time. Im travel to Kenya and then Ethiopia for bid to get visa for di game, wey dem also play for Guadalajara.
Nkuka Mboladinga become social media sensation at Africa Cup for posing as statue of Lumumba on pedestal with im right hand raised and standing still throughout games.
Lumumba na activist wey help end Belgium colonial rule over Congo DR for 1960. Im become di newly independent country first prime minister and dem see am as one of Africa most promising leaders, but dem assassinate am within one year during struggle against Belgian-backed secessionist movement for di mineral-rich Katanga region.
A Belgian court for March order a 93-year-old former diplomat to stand trial for di slaying. Etienne Davignon, wey previously deny wrongdoing, na di last living among 10 Belgians suspected of involvement for di killing and dem charge am with “participation in war crimes” for im role for di “unlawful detention and transfer” of Lumumba.
