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Gabon's president-elect Gen Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was among those to pay tribute to Boupendza, describing him as "a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football".

Gabon's military leader Gen Brice Oligui Nguema - who in 2023 led a coup that ended a near-60-year dynasty - has won Saturday's presidential election with more than 90% of the vote, provisional results show.

Former President Ali Bongo was forced from power 19 months ago by coup mastermind Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, who in turn has changed the constitution to allow him to run in Saturday's election.

For Mr Obame-Mezui, it is a shining symbol of a promise to Gabon's youth from coup mastermind-turned-transitional leader Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, who has ruled since August 2023.

The overwhelming favourite in the race on Saturday is the man who led that peaceful putsch and has dominated the political scene ever since, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.