The cause of his death has not been revealed, but multiple local outlets suggest he had been battling a depression.

Between 2004 and 2016, he made history for his country, notably becoming the second-highest scorer for the national team (21 goals in 47 caps).

Born in Nigeria, Omotoyossi played for numerous clubs, including Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia), FC Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova), Helsingborgs IF (Sweden), Zamalek FC (Egypt), and FC Metz.

The striker plied his trade at FC Metz during the 2009-2010 season, appearing in 28 matches (including 25 in Ligue 2) and scoring two goals.

He won the 2007 top goal scorer award in Sweden’s Allsvenskan while playing for Helsingborg. He also helped Benin qualify for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

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In fact, he initially trained in France and played for all the youth teams of Les Bleus but never received a call up to the senior team.

For several years, the Cameroonian and Ivorian football federations courted the former Eintracht Frankfurt player, but he finally opted for the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire.

“I’m not saying I don’t like Cameroon. I love the country a lot, but I preferred Côte d’Ivoire. It was a natural choice,” he told Italian media outlet Siamo La Roma.

His mother is a fervent supporter of the Elephants, but it wasn’t only that reason that led to his decision.

“The organisation and dynamics of the Ivorian football, as well as the vision of the Federation and the coaching staff, played a key role in my decision,” he said.

The timing was also a big factor, he said. Côte d’Ivoire “firmly” approached him just before the 2023 AFCON, while Cameroon was slow to position itself.

Ndicka joined the Elephants for the AFCON which was being held in Côte d’Ivoire, and quickly established himself in the team’s defence.

He was credited for “neutralising” then Napoli star Victor Osimhen, who spearheaded the Super Eagles’ attack in the final, which Côte d’Ivoire won 2-1 over Nigeria.

“Winning the AFCON is the best moment of my young career,” he said. “It validated my choice and strengthened my sense of belonging.”

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