The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has issued a formal apology to the DR Congo after forward Mohamed Amoura mocked Congolese superfan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga (known as “Lumumba VEA”) during their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash.
Mboladinga is famous for his “statue” pose, a tribute to Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba.
Amoura, who faced backlash for mimicking the gesture after Algeria’s 1–0 win, later apologized on Instagram, claiming he was unaware of the pose’s historical significance.
To mend ties, an Algerian delegation met with Mboladinga and DR Congo’s Sports Minister in Rabat, presenting the fan with an Algerian jersey to reaffirm the “friendly relations” between the two nations.
