Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Vinod Obasa, has commIserated with the Agege football family following the death of legendary Nigerian-born striker but later nationalized to play for Benin Republic.
Renowned Benin Republic international footballer, Razak Omotoyossi, died at the age of 38 authorities in Benin have confirmed on Tuesday. The cause of his death has not yet been made public.
Born in Nigeria but representing Benin Republic at the international level, Omotoyossi became one of the nation’s most iconic football figures. He earned 55 caps and scored 21 goals for the national team, placing him among the country’s all-time leading scorers.
He gained continental fame during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, notably scoring all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 victory over Togo. That performance made him joint top scorer of the qualification campaign alongside Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto’o.
At club level, Omotoyossi’s career spanned multiple countries. He played in Sweden for Helsingborgs IF, featuring in the UEFA Champions League, and later joined FC Metz in France. His professional journey also took him to South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, and Moldova.
Known for his relentless work ethic and sharp finishing, Omotoyossi was celebrated for his commitment to the sport and for his decision to represent Benin Republic over his country of birth.
Tributes have poured in from across the African football community, remembering Omotoyossi not only as a talented striker but also as a symbol of determination and national pride.
Obasa said: “Rasak was a legend. I grew up watching him on television when I was young. He was part of our growing up as a soccer player. He motivated us and despite playing for Benin Republic, he still took time to play with us in the Agege neighborhood to motivate the young ones. I used to be a footballer myself years back. I must confess, it’s painful. We shall miss him.”
