Razak Omotoyossi’s Wife Breaks Silence Days After Benin Football Legend Passed Away

Razak Omotoyossi’s Wife Breaks Silence Days After Benin Football Legend Passed Away

  • Bose Alao, the wife of late Benin Republic football legend Razak Omotoyossi, has shared an emotional tribute on social media
  • The Nollywood actress is struggling to cope with the loss of her husband, whom she had known for more than 18 years
  • Omotoyossi, who was said to have battled depression and illness, passed away on August 19, 2025, at the age of 39

Bose Alao, the widow of the late Benin Republic football legend Razak Omotoyossi, has penned an emotional tribute days after her husband passed away.

The world woke up on August 19 to the tragic news that Omotoyossi had passed away, having battled depression for some time.

The former Metz of France striker died at the age of 39, was said to have faced recurring tragedies, including the death of his sister.

Razak Omotoyossi, Benin, Bose Ajao, Cheetahs, Super Eagles, Metz
Razak Omotoyossi, Blackpool (Photo by Barrington Coombs - PA Images via Getty Images).
Source: Getty Images

He played for a number of clubs abroad, including Helsingborg (Sweden), Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia), Metz (France), FC Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova) and Zamalek (Egypt).

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Nigerian journalist Shina Oludare disclosed that a brother of the late footballer disclosed that Razak was ill for some time. He wrote on X:

"Razak Omotoyossi’s brother tells me that the 39-year-old Benin Republic football legend had been battling depression and illness, which contributed to his passing...
"For context, he tragically lost his house to a fire in July, and just two weeks ago, his sister also passed away.
"Born in Lagos to Nigerian parents, the former Sunshine Stars and Metz striker pledged international allegiance to Benin, becoming the nation’s second-highest scorer, just three behind Stephane Sessegnon. May God grant him eternal rest."

Bose Alao mourns Omotoyossi

He has since been buried, and his wife, Bose Alao, is struggling to come to terms with the reality. She wrote on Instagram:

"Razak let's discuss this, 18 years of knowing you, you left like that? "Ok, wait, the kids are saying you are with us. It's days now I didn't hear from you.

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"Razak people are trooping in and out, telling me to take heart and more. I see your grave everyday sill feels like you ain't the one in there. Babe, how did we get here? Hard to say good bye."

Omotoyossi's struggles were compounded by devastating personal losses. In July 2025, his home was ravaged by a fire, a tragedy that shook him deeply, per ICIR.

Just three weeks before his death, his sister also passed away, adding to his emotional burden.

Meanwhile, the football world has continued to mourn the striker. Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji wrote:

"Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Razak Omotoyossi. My thoughts are with his family (especially wife, Bose Alao Omotoyossi & his children), friends and former teammates at this terribly sad time.
"Top guy, fantastic footballer who’s been through a lot since 2015."

@LotfiWada said:

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Benin Republic legend Razak Omotoyossi laid to rest as grieving wife breaks down in tears, video

"To the Lord we belong to Him we return, Benin legend Razak Omotoyossi has been called back to God.
"Condolences to Beninese football fraternity.Despite his short stint marred by financial probs at Zamalek. Razak kept an excellent relationship with the club & left good memories."
Razak Omotoyossi, Benin, Bose Ajao, Cheetahs, Super Eagles, Metz
Bose Alao pens emotional tribute days after the death of her husband, Razak Omotoyossi. Photo: bosealaoo.
Source: Instagram

Why Omotoyossi chose Benin over Nigeria

Legit.ng earlier reported that Omotoyossi had previously opened up about his decision to play for the Cheetahs of Benin.

He explained that he had hoped to play for Nigeria after being inspired by the likes of Rashidi Yekini and Daniel Amokachi.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Babajide Orevba avatar

Babajide Orevba (Sports Editor) Babajide Orevba is a FIFA and CAF-accredited Nigerian journalist, digital publishing expert, researcher, writer and TV analyst. He has covered several major football tournaments, including FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, AFCON, CAF Competitions, as well as grassroots competitions in Africa. Email: babajide.orevba@corp.legit.ng