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DR Congo's enigmatic superfan, dubbed the "living statue," has been denied a US visa and will be unable to support the team in their Round of 16 clash against England.
The peculiar spiritual leader, Michel Kukka Mboladinga, claims he can transmit "emotional endurance" to the Congolese players and is revered as their good luck charm.
Throughout the entire 90 minutes of matches, he stands completely motionless with one arm raised, mimicking a statue of the assassinated Congolese hero, President Patrice Lumumba.
His unusual vigil gained immense popularity online after fans were filmed dancing around him during the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The footballers even successfully petitioned Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to allow him to support them in a group stage match on June 23rd in Mexico.
However, the US government has imposed a ban on him due to visa issues and public health concerns. Consequently, he will miss the biggest match in the "Leopards'" history against England.
Mboladinga, 49, has spent years perfecting his statue act, wearing an elegant suit to closely resemble his idol, who was assassinated in 1961.
The performer trains up to 20 days a month to perfect his vigil and wears brightly colored 1960s-style suits, characteristic of his slain hero.
Lumumba is a legendary icon in Congo, having led the nation to independence from Belgium a year before his brutal death.
He was captured and tortured to death by his opponents before his body was dissolved in acid.
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