Super Eagles Legend Pays Tribute to Former Benin Player of Nigerian Heritage Who Died at 39
- Super Eagles legend Taye Taiwo has paid an emotional tribute to the late Benin Republic star who died at 39
- Razak Omotoyossi, who was of Nigerian descent, was announced dead this morning after a battle with illness
- Omotoyossi was born in Nigeria and began his career in the Nigeria Premier Football League before moving to Europe
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Super Eagles legend Taye Taiwo has shared an emotional tribute to the late former Benin Republic player who sadly passed away at the age of 39.
Razak Omotoyossi’s death was announced this morning, and it sent shockwaves across African football because of his legendary status on the continent.
Source: Getty Images
As noted by Business Day, he was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but represented Benin Republic at the international stage, featuring 55 times for the Leopards and scoring 21 goals.
Taye Taiwo pays tribute to Omotoyossi
Super Eagles legend Taye Taiwo has joined the fans, former colleagues and the media in paying tribute to the late Omotoyossi.
Taiwo sent a deeply emotional message via his Instagram page, underlining the relationship between the two players.
“Razak Omotoyosi passed away🥲 no Omotoyosi this morning 😭😭😭💔💔,” he wrote.
Helsingborgs pays tribute to Omotoyossi
Omotoyossi played for clubs in many countries, including Nigeria, Benin Republic, Moldova, Sweden, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and Morocco.
His best spell came with Swedish club Helsingborgs when he won the league's top scorer in 2007 with 14 goals, tied with Marcus Berg. The club paid tribute to his memories with a statement on social media.
“Helsingborgs IF is in mourning. We have been informed that our former player, Razak Omotoyossi, has passed away at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Razak,” the statement reads.
Their fans joined in paying tribute to the legendary footballer who wore their jersey with pride.
@AlltOmHIF wrote:
“Razak, who, in many ways, made an impression during his time in HIF! Also a player that we at AOH came into contact with on several occasions, even after his time in Helsingborg. Our thoughts go out to his family and relatives.”
Source: Getty Images
@swe1707 wrote:
“Never forget Omotoyossi's magical season in 2007, when he became top scorer with 14 goals. One of the best of all time. Rest in peace❤️💙”
A Swedish journalist, Merijn Slagter, noted that the Beninoise had an opportunity to continue his career in Europe after leaving Helsingborgs in 2007 and was billed to move to FC Groningen in the Netherlands, but chose Al-Nassr's lucrative offer.
He spent only a season in Saudi Arabia and returned to Europe with FC Metz. However, his career was not the same afterwards. As noted by BBC Sport, he retired with Benin club JA Cotonou.
Omotoyossi’s cause of death emerges
Legit.ng reported that Omotoyossi's cause of death emerged after it was announced that one of Benin Republic’s greatest ever players had passed away.
The 39-year-old reportedly lost his house to a fire accident, and the tragic demise of his sister two weeks ago contributed to his depression and death.
Source: Legit.ng
