Nigerian-born Beninese international Razak Omotoyossi has died at the age of 39, with the cause of death yet to be disclosed.
His passing was confirmed on Tuesday morning.
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.
Omotoyossi’s death marks a major loss for Beninese football and the African game. An official statement from Benin’s football authorities is expected in the coming days.
