Ligue 1 Forward Pays Tribute to Former Benin Star Omotoyossi With Goal Dedication

Ligue 1 Forward Pays Tribute to Former Benin Star Omotoyossi With Goal Dedication

  • Benin Republic forward Tosin Aiyegun has joined the rest of the world to pay a touching tribute to the late Razak Omotoyosi
  • Omotoyossi passed away on August 19, 2025, at the age of 39, leaving a legacy as a Benin national team legend
  • The striker played for several clubs in Europe during his lifetime, earning his place as one of Africa's football legends

The football world is mourning the loss of Razak Omotoyossi, a Nigerian-born striker who became a legend for Benin’s national team.

Omotoyossi, popularly known as Omogoal, a former Metz of France forward, passed away on August 19, 2025, at the age of 39.

The footballer's journey ended tragically after battling depression for some time, amid personal losses, which made things worse.

Tosin Aiyegun, Rasak Omotoyossi, Benin Republic, Ligue 1 Lorient.
Tosin Aiyegun dedicates his goal to former Benin star Razak Omotoyossi. Photo by: @oluwashina.
Source: Twitter

The Nigerian-born forward opted to switch allegiance to play international football, having been unable to break into the Super Eagles.

Aiyegun pays tribute to Omotoyossi

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Cheetah forward Tosin Aiyegun has joined the fans and football stars (active and ex-international) in paying tribute to the late Razak Omotoyossi.

In a post on X, the Lorient forward dedicated his first goal of the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season to the former African star.

Aiyegun was the brain behind Lorient's win as he ensured Rennes were reduced to nine men in the 6th minute.

The prolific striker scored the second goal of the match as he volleyed home from a corner in the 47th minute to double the lead for the home team, per Ligue.

Razak Omotoyossi, Miranda, Atletico, Cairo, Benin Republic, Spain.
Razak Omotoyossi competes with Miranda of Atletico Madrid during their friendly football match in Cairo. Photo by: KHALED DESOUKI/AFP.
Source: Getty Images

Omotoyossi was a unique player - Okoronkwo

Nigerian sports journalist Nnenna Okoronkwo said the late Razak Omotoyossi was an exceptional player.

Speaking in an exclusive comment with Legit.ng, Okoronkwo explained that watching the Benin Republic player on the field brought joy to the faces of fans in South West Nigeria.

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She emphasised that it would be difficult for the former Helsingborg player to break into the Super Eagles due to the array of stars. Okoronkwo said:

"I watched Omotoyossi play for the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic, and I must say that he was an exceptional player. His presence in the team brought a brand new style and exposure to the senior national team.
"I am happy Omotoyossi made a bold decision to represent the Benin Republic because it would have been difficult to break into the Super Eagles due to the number of stars playing in Europe."

Omotoyossi played for clubs in many countries, including Nigeria, Benin Republic, Moldova, Sweden, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Morocco.

Omotoyossi was known for his prolific goal-scoring ability during his active days, making 55 international appearances and registering 21 goals for the national team, per Daily Post.

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Omotoyossi’s cause of death emerges

Legit.ng earlier 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

Authors:
Dare Kuti avatar

Dare Kuti (Sports Editor) Dare Kuti is a CAVB-accredited journalist based in Nigeria. He is renowned for his work in football, volleyball, wrestling, taekwondo and handball. He has covered several major competitions including the African Games hosted by Morocco and Ghana, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, CAF Events, as well as grassroots competitions across the continent. Email: dare.kuti@corp.legit.ng.

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