Editing Lomana LuaLua (section)

==International career==
===2002 and 2004 Africa Cup of Nations===
LuaLua was first named by the [[Congo DR national football team|DR Congo national team]] in the preliminary squad for the [[2002 African Cup of Nations|African Nations Cup]] finals in [[Mali]] in January 2002.<ref name=DRC /><ref>{{cite news | title = DR Congo call up LuaLua | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/1742097.stm| publisher = BBC Sport | date = 4 January 2002 | access-date =8 September 2007}}</ref> He played in the 0–0 draw with [[Togo national football team|Togo]],<ref>{{cite news | title = Group C stays wide open | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/cup_of_nations/1784241.stm| publisher = BBC Sport | date = 26 January 2002 | access-date =8 September 2007}}</ref> the 1–0 loss to [[Cameroon national football team|Cameroon]],<ref>{{cite news | title = Clockwatch: Cameroon 1–0 DR Congo | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/cup_of_nations/1771674.stm| publisher = BBC Sport | date = 20 January 2002 | access-date =8 September 2007}}</ref> the 3–1 win over [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast]] and the quarter-final match against [[Senegal national football team|Senegal]], which DR Congo lost 2–0 amid some controversy.<ref>{{cite news | title = DR Congo smash into quarter-finals | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/cup_of_nations/1789939.stm| publisher = BBC Sport | date = 29 January 2002 | access-date =8 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Dakar Lions beat brave Simbas | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/cup_of_nations/1801236.stm| publisher = BBC Sport | date = 4 February 2002 | access-date =8 September 2007}}</ref> LuaLua blamed the referee [[Domenico Messina]] for the defeat: "We had a lot of fouls which the referee didn't give and there was a penalty right in front of him but he just let the match go on. Sometimes they [the Senegalese] fell over without being touched, screamed, and the referee just gave the foul to them."<ref>{{cite news | title = LuaLua blames referee for defeat| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/cup_of_nations/1802818.stm| publisher = BBC Sport | date = 5 February 2002 | access-date =8 September 2007}}</ref>

{{Quote box | width=30% | align=right | quote= "Lomana knows he's been stupid. He knew he was going to be under pressure and he knew he was going to get provoked... but I don't like the way their players behaved. They were taking dives all over the place. That's not fair play. It's disgraceful."|source= <small>—DR Congo manager Mick Wadsworth, who was also assistant manager at Newcastle during Robson's reign, agreed with LuaLua about the conduct of the Tunisia players in their 2004 African Nations Cup match.<ref name="Quit" /></small>}}

DR Congo's qualifying campaign for the [[2004 African Cup of Nations|2004 African Nations Cup]] in [[Tunisia]] began six months after the 2002 tournament ended, with a match against [[Libya national football team|Libya]] on 8 September. Libya won the match 3–2.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/cup_of_nations/2246455.stm|title=Libya tame Congo|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 September 2002|access-date=7 January 2011}}</ref> LuaLua initially indicated that he might not play in the match, but did so reluctantly after threats were made to his family, which caused him to reconsider his international career. Robson commented, "He didn't want to go and play in that match. But he said he had to go because his grandmother had been threatened."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_football/3473239.stm|title=Wadsworth hits out|date=9 February 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=7 January 2011}}</ref> He played in the 2–0 win over [[Botswana national football team|Botswana]] in October 2002, when he scored inside five minutes but was later sent off for dissent.<ref name="botswana">{{cite news | title = DR Congo sweep Botswana aside| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/cup_of_nations/2325097.stm| publisher = BBC Sport | date = 13 October 2002 | access-date =8 September 2007 | first=Mark | last=Dummett}}</ref> He was suspended for two matches and his next appearance was in the 0–0 draw with Botswana in July 2003, which secured qualification for the finals of the competition.<ref>{{cite news | title = DR Congo sail through | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3047950.stm| publisher = BBC Sport | date = 5 July 2003 | access-date =8 September 2007}}</ref> LuaLua initially expressed doubts that he would take part in the finals due to club commitments.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3240793.stm|title=LuaLua may miss Tunisia|date=4 November 2003|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> He was, however, included in the squad and named as captain in the absence of regular captain [[Shabani Nonda]], who missed the tournament due to a knee injury.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3396985.stm|title=DR Congo select squad|date=14 January 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref><ref name="captaincy">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3420793.stm|title=LuaLua reveals Simba belief|last=Mungazi |first=Farayi |date=22 April 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> LuaLua said on being named as captain, "When Shabani plays, it takes the pressure off me but now everyone's now looking to me for leadership and I feel honoured."<ref name="captaincy" /> He appeared in the first match of the tournament, a 2–1 defeat to [[Guinea national football team|Guinea]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3426239.stm|title=DR Congo 1–2 Guinea|last=Thomas |first=Durosimi |date=25 January 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> but in the next match against the hosts [[Tunisia national football team|Tunisia]], he was sent off, reacting angrily and taking several minutes to leave the pitch.<ref name="Quit">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3441013.stm|title=LuaLua may quit DR Congo|date=29 January 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/3435163.stm|title=Tunisia through to last eight|first=Durosimi|last=Thomas|date=28 January 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=7 January 2011}}</ref> DR Congo went on to lose the match and were eliminated from the tournament.<ref name="Quit" /> Following his sending off, LuaLua considered giving up international football and criticised the behaviour of the Tunisia players during the match and the organisation of the tournament.<ref name="Quit" /> He later criticised the national football federation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the [[Congolese Association Football Federation]], blaming them for the poor state of the national side, but said that he would continue to be available for international selection: "I can never turn my back on my country. I play for Congo because I am proud to do it."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3776581.stm| title=LuaLua hits out at DRC's Federation|last=Obayiuwana |first=Osasu |date=4 June 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> He apologised to his country for his sending off against Tunisia.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3818395.stm| title=LuaLua apologises to DR Congo|last=Citera |first=Patrice |date=18 June 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref>

===2006 Africa Cup of Nations===
LuaLua received a four-match suspension for the sending-off and missed several [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]] qualifying round matches during the summer of June 2004.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3777085.stm |title=Group Two results|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 June 2004|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> He was selected for the World Cup qualifier against [[South Africa national football team|South Africa]] in September, but missed the match due to injury,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3647434.stm| title=LuaLua explains absence|date=11 September 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> and was then dropped for the next qualifier against [[Ghana national football team|Ghana]] in October.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3714748.stm|title=DR Congo drop LuaLua|date=4 October 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> He missed the 1–1 draw with Ghana in March 2005 after a dispute with the DR Congo football association but committed himself to the match against Uganda in June.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4509461.stm|title=LuaLua set for DR Congo return|date=3 May 2005|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> He scored in a friendly against Guinea played in [[Paris]] in August, a match used as preparation for the World Cup qualifying matches the following month.<ref name="guinea">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4159540.stm |title=DR Congo defeat Guinea in Paris |date=17 August 2005|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> LuaLua played for DR Congo in the 2–1 win over [[Cape Verde national football team|Cape Verde]] in September but contracted [[malaria]] and missed the final World Cup qualifier against South Africa in October.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2365967/LuaLua-struck-down-by-illness.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706223411/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2365967/LuaLua-struck-down-by-illness.html |archive-date=6 July 2016 |title=LuaLua struck down by illness| last=Ley |first=John |date=28 September 2005|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=14 June 2008 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4318850.stm |title=LuaLua upset at missing qualifier |date=7 October 2005|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref>

{{Quote box | width=35% | align=left | quote= "We are still waiting for it to be resolved but we are united and as captain I'll stick up for everyone."|source= <small>LuaLua, speaking after the 2–0 victory over Togo. Before the match DR Congo's president [[Joseph Kabila]] promised the pay dispute would be resolved.<ref name="LuaLua in DR Congo strike threat "/> </small> }}

LuaLua was recalled to the DR Congo squad for a friendly against Tunisia played near Paris in November 2005, as part of the countries' preparation for the [[2006 Africa Cup of Nations|2006 African Nations Cup]] held in [[Egypt]] in January and February 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4406566.stm|title=LuaLua recalled to DR Congo squad |date=4 November 2005|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> He was unable to play, however, after he was one of several players refused a [[Visa (document)|visa]] by French immigration authorities.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4425830.stm| title=DR Congo denied by visa problems |date=10 November 2005|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> He was named as the captain of DR Congo for the tournament in place of Shabani Nonda who was injured for a second successive Nations Cup.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4604424.stm|title=DR Congo name LuaLua as captain|date=12 January 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> He then delayed his departure to be available to his club Portsmouth for a crucial league match,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4580864.stm|title=LuaLua to play at Nations Cup |date=4 January 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> missing a friendly with Senegal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4613628.stm|title=Senegal 0–0 DR Congo |date=14 January 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> Despite a pay dispute leading to the DR Congo players threatening to [[boycott]] the match, which was only resolved shortly before the kickoff,<ref name="LuaLua in DR Congo strike threat ">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4637176.stm| title=LuaLua in DR Congo strike threat |date=22 January 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> he returned to the side for DR Congo's opening match of the tournament against Togo, assisting in one goal and scoring the other in a 2–0 win.<ref name="togo">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4628986.stm| title=Togo 0–2 DR Congo|last=Thomas |first=Durosimi |date=20 January 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> He appeared against [[Angola national football team|Angola]] and Cameroon as DR Congo qualified for the quarter-finals stage of the tournament,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4642818.stm|title=Angola 0–0 DR Congo|last=Capstick|first=Alex|date=26 January 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4656304.stm| title=Cameroon 2–0 DR Congo |date=29 January 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> only to be beaten by the hosts [[Egypt national football team|Egypt]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4672272.stm|title=Egypt 4–1 DR Congo |last=Copnall |first=James |date=3 February 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> LuaLua's 18-month-old son died while he was playing in the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4688830.stm|title=LuaLua suffers tragedy|date=7 February 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref>

===Later international career===
In the [[2008 Africa Cup of Nations|2008 African Nations Cup]] qualifier against [[Ethiopia national football team|Ethiopia]] in April 2007, LuaLua scored the second goal in a 2–0 victory; the result extended their lead at the top of their group.<ref name="ethiopia">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6606235.stm|title=DR Congo extend Group Ten lead|date=29 April 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6609535.stm|title=LuaLua happy after busy weekend |date=30 April 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> He did not travel to Ethiopia for the away fixture in June, which DR Congo lost, as the authorities failed to send LuaLua his travel documents in time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6706027.stm|title=DRC minister hits back at coach |last=Citera |first=Patrice |date=31 May 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6713599.stm |title=Shock wins in Group Ten|date=1 June 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref> Following the failure of DR Congo to qualify for the tournament in October, the DR Congo sports minister, Pardonne Kaliba, suspended the manager, [[Henri Depireux]], and removed the captaincy from LuaLua.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/7036291.stm|title=DR Congo coach suspended|last=Citera |first=Patrice|publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 October 2007|access-date=14 June 2008}}</ref>

LuaLua returned to the DR Congo squad in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)|2010 World Cup qualifier]] against Egypt in June 2008.<ref name="Egypt 2–1 Congo DR">{{cite web| url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/africa/matches/round=250418/match=300036747/index.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604010806/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/africa/matches/round=250418/match=300036747/index.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=4 June 2008 |title=Egypt 2–1 Congo DR |date=1 June 2008 |publisher=FIFA|access-date=26 July 2008}}</ref> After returning to Greece, he complained of severe stomach pain and was rushed to hospital to have his [[Vermiform appendix|appendix]] removed, ruling him out of subsequent matches for several weeks,<ref name="LuaLua under knife after health scare">{{cite news|url=http://www.sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=1912 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716121759/http://www.sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=1912 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2011 |title=LuaLua under knife after health scare |date=4 June 2008 |publisher=Sport in Greece |access-date=26 July 2008 }}</ref> as DR Congo moved to the top of Group 12 in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF second round|second round]].<ref name="DRC thrash Djibouti">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/7453703.stm| title=DRC thrash Djibouti, Ethiopia win |date=14 June 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=26 July 2008}}</ref> Despite topping the group at that point, DR Congo were later eliminated at this stage and therefore failed to progress to the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF third round|third round]] of qualifying.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/7301308.stm| title=2010 qualifiers: Second round details |date=11 October 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 September 2009}}</ref>

In February 2012, national manager [[Claude Le Roy]] confirmed that he was with LuaLua in the aim of him returning to the national team for their [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification|Cup of Nations qualifier]] against [[Seychelles national football team|Seychelles]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Muga|first1=Emmanuel|title=Lomana LuaLua to return for DR Congo says coach Le Roy|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17139857|access-date=28 August 2015|date=23 February 2012}}</ref> He did not play that game, but in December LuaLua was named for his fourth [[Africa Cup of Nations]], in South Africa in [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations|2013]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Aarons|first1=Ed|title=Africa Cup Of Nations 2013: Bolasie rejects DR Congo call-up|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20831198|access-date=28 August 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 December 2012}}</ref> He started all three matches—all draws—as the team exited from [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations Group C|Group C]].