Nigerian-born Beninese international, Razak Omotoyossi, has died at the age of 39.
His death was announced on Tuesday, August 19, by authorities in Benin.
Reacting, his former club, Helsingborgs IF wrote on X: “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.”
Nigerian journalist Shina Oludare disclosed that he made efforts to reach out to the legend’s brother, who lamented the unfortunate incident.
Oludare wrote on X: “Razak Omotoyossi’s brother tells me that the former Benin Republic legend had been battling depression and illness, which contributed to his passing… more details shortly…
“For context, he tragically lost his home to a fire in July, and just two weeks ago, his sister also.”
Omotoyossi, who switched nationality to represent Benin after beginning his career in the Nigerian league, went on to become one of the country’s greatest-ever footballers.
He scored 21 goals in 55 international appearances, ranking among Benin’s all-time top scorers.
He is best remembered for his exploits during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where he scored all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 victory over Togo and finished as joint top scorer of the campaign alongside Samuel Eto’o.
He also made history as the first player to score for Benin at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
At the club level, Omotoyossi had an extensive career across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, playing in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France.
Notably, he shone for Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, featuring in the UEFA Champions League, before moving to French side FC Metz.
Linda Ikeji
