Drogba, Prince Boateng lead tributes for Kobe Bryant

African stars including Chelsea great Didier Drogba, Taye Taiwo, Ahmed Elmohamady, Yannick Bolasie and Asisat Oshoala were shocked to hear the news of the death of former Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant.

On Sunday, Bryant was involved in a helicopter crash near Calabasas in California which killed all passengers on board.

The 41-year-old was widely referred to as one of the greatest basketball players of all time after winning five championships, and he made the NBA All-Star team on 18 occasions.

The news of Bryant's death came as a surprise to the continent's stars, who paid their respects to the legendary two-time Olympic medallist.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of Kobe and of those who died in the terrible accident.

— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) January 26, 2020

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SEA, I can’t believe it. You inspired so many, including me...RIP Legend @kobebryant ???????????????????????? #GodFirst #RIPKOBE #MambaForever #SEA

A post shared by The Real Adebayor (@e_adebayor) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:37pm PST

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Rest in Peace legend. My prayers and thoughts are with your family ????

A post shared by Mikel Obi (@mikel_john_obi) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:55pm PST

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Horrible news for the sporting world ???????????? .....prayers up to his family ???????? #Mamba4Life???? #RIPmamba

A post shared by Asisat Oshoala (M.O.N) (@asisat_oshoala) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:25pm PST

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Speechless ???? and shocked!! REST IN HEAVEN MAMBA ????????

A post shared by Kevin Prince Boateng (@princeboateng) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:30pm PST