The Algerian Football Federation has issued an apology following a controversial incident involving one of their players and a Congolese superfan at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 in Morocco. The fan, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, had won hearts across the tournament for his striking tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s revered first prime minister.

Mboladinga became an AFCON sensation by dressing as Lumumba and remaining perfectly still on a pedestal throughout DR Congo’s matches. With his right arm raised, he mirrored the famous Lumumba statue in Kinshasa, inspiring fellow fans and drawing media attention for his dedication.

The Controversial Incident

After Algeria defeated the DR Congo Leopards in a tense match on Tuesday, Algerian forward Mohamed Amine Amoura sparked backlash by imitating Mboladinga. The Wolfsburg player fell to the ground as if knocking over the fan’s statue tribute. The gesture was widely criticized on social media and seen as disrespectful toward Lumumba’s legacy and Congolese supporters.

Following the incident, Amoura quickly addressed the backlash on Instagram, saying:

“At that moment, I wasn’t aware of what the person or symbol in the stands represented. I simply wanted to joke around, in a good-natured way, without any ill intent or desire to provoke anyone.”

Amoura’s apology emphasized that he respected DR Congo’s football team and their iconic leader, Lumumba, who was assassinated in 1961 in a politically charged plot involving Belgium, the UK, and the US. Lumumba remains a symbol of Africa’s anti-colonial struggle and a revered historical figure.

Algerian Football Federation’s Response

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) acted quickly to mend relations. After Amoura’s statement, FAF reached out to Mboladinga and offered him a meeting with the Algerian squad at their hotel in Rabat.

Although Mboladinga could not travel to meet the team, FAF media officer Saïd Fellak visited him and other Congolese supporters at the Novotel Hotel in Casablanca. There, Mboladinga was presented with a custom Desert Foxes jersey bearing the name “Lumumba” on the back. The gesture was also witnessed by Congolese Sports Minister Didier Budimbu and documented by fans on social media, symbolizing reconciliation between the two fan bases.

Fan Reactions and Tournament Impact

Videos of Mboladinga receiving the jersey went viral, reinforcing his status as a beloved AFCON superfan. The emotional fan had been visibly upset after DR Congo’s elimination, removing his glasses to wipe tears and leaning on his makeshift pedestal after the final whistle.

It remains unclear whether Mboladinga and his iconic pedestal will travel with the Leopards for the intercontinental World Cup qualifiers in Mexico, scheduled for March 2026. DR Congo will compete for one of the last two slots in the FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Amoura expressed hope for future encounters with the Leopards, saying:

“I respect Congo and their team. Honestly, I wish them the best and hope they qualify for the World Cup.”

Legacy of Patrice Lumumba in AFCON

Lumumba, assassinated in 1961, is remembered as a symbol of African unity and resistance to colonialism. Mboladinga’s tribute at AFCON highlighted the intersection of football, culture, and history, turning him into one of the most talked-about figures of the tournament, alongside the players on the field.

The incident, while controversial, showcased the power of fan culture and the sensitivity surrounding historical figures in sports contexts. The Algerian Federation’s apology and gesture of goodwill were praised as an important step toward mutual respect among African football communities.