Nigerian-born Beninese international footballer, Razak Omotoyossi, has passed on.
His former Swedish club, Helsingborgs IF, confirmed his death on Tuesday, August 19.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the club wrote: “Helsingborgs IF is in mourning.
Advertisement
READ MORE: “Nnamdi Kanu Acted On Emotions, Free Him” – Okon Lagos Appeals To FG
“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 began his career in the Nigerian league before changing nationality to play for Benin, rose to become one of the nation’s most renowned footballers.
He netted 21 goals in 55 international matches, making him one of Benin’s highest-ever scorers.
He is warmly remembered for his remarkable display in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he scored all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 triumph over Togo and ended the campaign as joint top scorer with Samuel Eto’o.
He also made history by becoming the first player to score for Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Omotoyossi’s club career took him across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, featuring spells in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France.
He made a significant impact at Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, appearing in the UEFA Champions League prior to joining French team FC Metz.
