Nogerian-born former Beninese international footballer, Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 38.
The cause of death yet to be revealed. His death was confirmed on Tuesday evening, sending shockwaves through the African football community.
Omotoyossi, who began his career in Nigeria before switching allegiance to Benin, carved out a reputation as one of the nation’s greatest footballers. He netted 21 goals in 55 appearances for the Squirrels, placing him among Benin’s all-time leading scorers.
He remains particularly celebrated for his heroics in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he scored all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 win over Togo and finished the campaign as joint top scorer alongside Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o.
He later made history by becoming the first player to score for Benin at the AFCON finals.
At club level, Omotoyossi enjoyed a journeyman career across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, featuring in leagues in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France. His most memorable spell came at Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, where he impressed in the UEFA Champions League before securing a move to French side FC Metz.
His sudden passing represents a huge loss for Beninese football and the wider African game. The Benin Football Federation is expected to release an official statement in the coming days.
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