Nigerian-born Beninese international striker Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 38. The cause of death has not yet been made public. His passing was confirmed on Tuesday morning, sending shockwaves through the African football community.
Omotoyossi, who began his professional career in Nigeria before switching allegiance to Benin, rose to become one of the country’s most iconic players. He scored 21 goals in 55 appearances for the Squirrels, cementing his place among Benin’s all-time top scorers.
He is fondly remembered for his heroics in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where he netted all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 triumph over Togo. His outstanding form saw him finish as joint top scorer of the campaign alongside Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o. Omotoyossi also made history by becoming the first player to score for Benin at an AFCON finals tournament.
At club level, Omotoyossi enjoyed a journeyman career that spanned several continents. He played in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France, leaving a lasting mark wherever he went. His most notable spell came with Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, where he impressed in the UEFA Champions League, before sealing a move to French side FC Metz.
His death represents a profound loss for Beninese football and the wider African game. The Benin Football Federation is expected to issue an official statement in the coming days.
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