The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has publicly commended Nigerian striker Akor Adams for a poignant goal celebration during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tribute was directed at Mboladinga 'Lumumba', the iconic superfan of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A Gesture of Respect on the Continental Stage
The moment unfolded on January 10, 2026, during Nigeria's crucial match against Algeria. Akor Adams, who plays for Sevilla, scored the Super Eagles' second goal in the victory over the Desert Foxes. This goal was particularly significant as it atoned for earlier missed opportunities by the striker.
Instead of a routine celebration, Adams chose to imitate the signature pose of Mboladinga. The Congolese fan is famous for standing motionless for the entire 90 minutes of every DR Congo match, a silent homage to the legacy of former Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba.
CAF's Powerful Social Media Endorsement
CAF took swift notice of this act of cross-border solidarity. The continental football body shared a photograph of Adams's celebration on its official X (formerly Twitter) page, accompanied by a succinct but powerful message: "Standing still. Akor. ??".
This public acknowledgment from CAF highlighted the celebration as a moment of profound respect within African football. It stood in stark contrast to a previous incident where Algerian star Mohamed Amoura was seen disrespecting Mboladinga after Algeria's win over DR Congo. That act had prompted an apology from the Algerian national team and a statement from Amoura citing his ignorance.
Fan Reactions and Continental Unity
The gesture by the Super Eagles forward resonated deeply with football fans across Africa. Social media platforms were flooded with positive reactions, praising Adams for his class and sportsmanship.
One fan from Zimbabwe wrote, "Love the fact that Africans are becoming more and more united fam …. Love From Zimbabwe." Another supporter noted, "This is a good lesson to Algeria fans who were mocking DRC die-hard fans." The sentiment reflected a broader appreciation for unity and mutual respect on the continent's biggest football stage.
Akor Adams's tribute has undoubtedly cemented his status as a player who understands the deeper cultural and social significance of the AFCON tournament. As the Super Eagles progress in the competition, this moment of solidarity will be remembered as a highlight that transcended the game itself.
