Congo's Living Statue Sidelined for World Cup

0:00That's your update from Europe News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. Congo DR's Living Statue Sensation, Mikel and Kuka, Ambole Dingo, better known as Lemumba Veia, is sidelined for the big World Cup playoff against Jamaica. The guy who posed frozen as Independence Hero, Patrice Lemumba, during every Africa Cup of Nations match, can't get there because his visa fell through. For Tuesday's game in Guadalajara, Mexico, he hustled hard, jetting first to Kenya then Ethiopia for an emergency visa, but processing still takes at least one full day under tight rules. With flights stretching 18 to 30 hours including stopovers, he knew he couldn't land in time to hype the lepers properly. Fans are gutted, with journalist Grevy Tamway saying they're heartbroken but staying connected to the team. Michelle posted on X that he's heading back to Kanshasa to cheer remotely, keeping that unbreakable spirit alive for the squad. Lemumba Veia blew up on social media at the Africa Cup, standing stock still on a pedestal

1:02with his arm raised, channeling Patrice Lemumba, Congo's. First Prime Minister, after shaking off Belgian rule in 1960, tragically assassinated the next year amid Katanga Chaos. Now a Belgian court has charged a 93-year-old ex-diplomat with war crimes tied to Lemumba's detention and murder. Congo DR hit the last 16 in the Africa Cup before shifting the qualifiers. If they topped Jamaica, they snaggle World Cup spot as the second to last. Team before Iraq faces Bolivia.