Benin football has been thrown into mourning following the death of striker Razack Omotoyossi at the age of 39.
The Nigerian-born forward, who became one of Benin’s most celebrated players, passed away on Tuesday, 19 August. The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.
Born in Lagos, Omotoyossi began his career in Nigeria with Sunshine Stars. His path nearly ended early when the Nigeria Football Federation imposed a five-year ban on him for allegedly assaulting a referee during a league match against Enyimba.
By that time, he had already left for neighbouring Benin, where he would switch nationality and begin his international career.
His decision to represent the Squirrels in 2004 marked the start of a glittering period for the national team.
Omotoyossi featured at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, where he scored Benin’s only goal of the tournament in a 4–1 defeat to Ivory Coast.
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He had already made headlines in qualification, hitting four goals in a single game against Togo in June 2007 to secure Benin’s passage to the finals. In that campaign, he scored once in the qualifiers and then added another in Ghana.
The year 2008 proved to be the peak of his international career. He scored eight goals in eight matches for Benin across the AFCON and World Cup qualifying campaigns, finishing as joint top scorer in Africa alongside Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o.
By the end of his international career in 2016, Omotoyossi had scored 21 goals in 55 appearances, making him the second-highest scorer in the country’s history.
Razack Omotoyossi playing for Benin against Nigeria. Photo Credit: X
At club level, Omotoyossi’s career spanned several countries. He played for Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova, Helsingborgs IF in Sweden where he appeared in the UEFA Champions League and FC Metz in France.
Nigerian born Razack Omotoyossi during his time in France. Photo Credit: X
His later years included spells with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Zamalek in Egypt, Hearts of Oak in Ghana, as well as clubs in Morocco and Turkey.
Local media in Benin reported that Omotoyossi had struggled in recent months after his home was destroyed by fire in early July.
Though no official cause of death has been confirmed, unverified reports suggest he may have been battling depression in the aftermath.
Razack Omotoyossi. Photo Credit: X
Nicknamed the “Bull of Pobè” and fondly called “Omogoal,” Omotoyossi is remembered as one of Benin’s greatest footballing icons.
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His goals, charisma and relentless style of play inspired a generation, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s football history.
