Romuald Boco

Romuald Boco (born 8 July 1985) is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Born in France, he has represented Benin at full international level.

Club career Accrington Stanley Born in Bernay, Eure, Boco signed for English side Accrington Stanley just before the 2005 transfer deadline from French side Niort. He helped the club achieve promotion from the fifth tier to the fourth tier. He had the honour of scoring the first two Football League goals for Stanley, in a 2–1 win against Barnet. He instantly became a favourite among the fans who stated they were "loco for Boco.".

After returning from the 2008 African Cup of Nations, he requested his contract be terminated, due to Homesickness.

On 30 January 2016, Accrington Stanley announced that Boco had rejoined the club until Season End. He will take retake his 26 shirt as worn in his original stint with the club.

Sligo Rovers On 11 February 2008, he signed for Sligo Rovers of the League of Ireland Premier Division.

His new manager Paul Cook, He helped Rovers to qualification for the UEFA Europa League, formerly known as the UEFA Cup.

On 7 June 2009, he expressed concern at the financial situation within the League of Ireland in an interview with the BBC. Boco left Sligo when his contract expired at the end of the 2009 season.

After consistently impressing during Sligo's pre-season fixtures, Boco scored his first goal back in the red of Sligo during the team's 2–0 win over Glentoran in the Setanta Cup Quarter Final first leg.

On 31 August 2012, it was announced Boco had re-joined former club Accrington Stanley on a one-year deal.

Accrington Stanley He made a good start to his second stint at the Crown Ground, scoring vital goals in order to keep Stanley's League status. He has built a reputation for his tireless work rate and running. He has the perfect start to his second stint at Accrington scoring his first goal away to Cheltenham Town in September. Two more goals followed away to Chesterfield, Rochdale, Barnet, Fleetwood Town, Bradford City, Chesterfield again and Rochdale again. He is currently the top scorer for Accrington during this season.

He received a Player of the Year nomination following a period of hard work rate and increased fan support.

Plymouth Argyle Boco signed a one-year contract with Plymouth Argyle in July 2013, and made his debut in the club's first game of the new season at Southend United.

Chesterfield Romuald signed for Chesterfield on 8 August 2014 on a non-contract basis. This once again reunited him with manager Paul Cook who he previously played under at Sligo and Accrington. Boco scored on his debut against Leyton Orient in a 2–1 victory for the Spireites.

Bharat FC On 20 January 2015, Boco signed for Indian I-League newcomers Kalyani Bharat FC, as the club's marquee player. He debuted for the Pune based side against Dempo SC. He has appeared in all 20 league matches in the 2014–15 I-League season, under the coaching of Stuart Watkiss.

International career Boco was part of the Beninese 2004 African Nations Cup team, who finished bottom of their group in the first round of the competition.

Boco and Benin finished third in 2005 African Youth Championship. He also scored a goal against Ivory Coast in the tournament. He has also represented Benin U20 team at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship under the coaching of Serge Devèze and appeared in all three group matches. Benin finished third in the Group A and bowed out of the tournament.

Boco captained Benin in the 2008 African Nations Cup in what was only the country's second time qualifying for the competition, and was part of the Beninese 2010 African Nations Cup team. Between 2004 and 2013, Boco earned 52 caps for Benin internationally, scoring a goal.

Personal life Boco was born on 8 July 1985 in Bernay, France. He was born to a Beninese father and a French mother. He has a son.

Career statistics

Club

International Score and result list Benin's goal tally first, score column indicates score after Boco goal.

+ International goal scored by Romuald Boco No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 11 February 2009 Mustapha Tchaker Stadium, Blida, Algeria 1–2 1–2 Friendly

Honours Benin U20 African Youth Championship third place: 2005

Accrington Stanley Conference Premier: 2005–06

Sligo Rovers FAI Cup: 2010 League of Ireland Cup: 2010