Razak Omotoyossi: Former African Footballer of Nigerian Origin Tragically Dies at 39
- Razak Omotoyossi, who had 55 caps for the Benin national football team between 2004 and 2016, has passed away
- The striker played for several clubs in Europe during his lifetime, earning his place as one of Africa's football legends
- He was a gifted goalscorer and a passionate servant of the game; his impact on African football will never be forgotten
Reports from Benin Republic have it that football legend Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 39.
The former Metz of France striker reportedly faced turbulent times in his last days, having lost his older sister barely three weeks before his passing.
Further reports have it that he struggled with his marital life, as one of his houses was also engulfed in fire recently.
Source: Getty Images
Although he was born in Nigeria, Omotoyossi opted to switch allegiance to play international football, having been unable to break into the Super Eagles.
He went on to make 55 appearances for the Cheetahs, scoring 21 goals during his time at the national team between 2004 and 2016.
The forward star earned his place among Africa's football greats for his contributions on and off the football pitch. He had stints in Nigeria, Egypt, Sweden, Saudi Arabia and France at club level.
The former Al-Nassr of Saudi star reportedly passed away in Nigeria, not due to illness, but after successively going through difficult situations that affected him psychologically, per PM News.
Globalfoot 24 wrote on X:
"A close acquaintance had even expressed fears for his (Omotoyossi's) life… Unfortunately, the worst has happened."
Tributes pour for late Razak Omotoyossi
Meanwhile, fans have taken to social media to pay tributes to the football icon. @LoumGildas wrote:
"Sad end for this valiant warrior from Benin. It is now that good men will rise to take charge of his funeral. When he needed help, no one was at his bedside. RIP legend."
Nigerian journalist Babatunde Ojora of OJB Sport added via his @ojbsports' handle said:
"Razak Omotoyossi, former FC Metz striker and Benin national team legend, has passed away at the age of 38.
"A gifted goalscorer and passionate servant of the game, his impact on African football will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, champion."
A shocked Osasu Obayiuwana queried:
"How can former @FCMetz player @RasakOmotoyossi, the Nigerian-Beninoise international, be dead at 38? What led to his death? This is terrible news."
@TheYemiKing said:
"Razak Omotoyossi died this morning in Nigeria. 21 goals in 55 appearances for Benin Republic.
"Apparently his house got burnt in July, and his sister died two weeks ago. Details are still sketchy butit seems these were contributory factors to his demise. He was just 39 years old."
Source: Getty Images
Omotoyossi decries Benin's loss to Nigeria
Legit.ng earlier reported that Razak Omotoyossi was in the stands when the Cheetahs lost to Nigeria in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The Super Eagles proved too strong for their neighbours, winning the encounter 3-0 inside the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
