Nigerian-born Beninese Footballer Omotoyossi Dies At 39

Nigerian-born Beninese international, Razak Omotoyossi, has died. He was aged 39 years.

His death was announced on Tuesday by his former Swedish club, Helsingborgs IF, through a post on X (Formerly Twitter).

The club wrote: “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.”

Omotoyossi, who switched nationality to represent Benin Republic after starting his career in the Nigerian league, became one of the country’s most celebrated footballers.

He scored 21 goals in 55 international appearances, placing him among Benin Republic’s all-time top scorers.

He is fondly remembered for his performance during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where he netted all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 victory over Togo and finished as joint top scorer of the campaign alongside Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o.

He also made history as the first player to score for Benin Republic at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

At club level, Omotoyossi had a career spanning Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with stints in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France.

He particularly excelled at Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, where he featured in the UEFA Champions League before moving to French side FC Metz.