By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Benin Republic international striker, Razak Omotoyossi, has died at the age of 39, multiple online sources confirmed on Tuesday.
Omotoyossi, who was born in Lagos to Nigerian parents, reportedly passed away in his home country on August 19, just two weeks after the death of his sister. He had been battling illness and depression in recent months and also suffered a personal setback in July when his home was destroyed by fire.
During his career, Omotoyossi featured for clubs including Metz in France, Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Egypt’s Zamalek, and Al-Nahda. At the international level, he represented the Benin Republic between 2004 and 2016, becoming the country’s second all-time top scorer with 21 goals, behind Stéphane Sessègnon.
He was married to Nigerian actress Bose Alao, with whom he had four daughters. Their marriage was marked by reports of domestic disputes.
Despite never playing for Nigeria, Omotoyossi maintained close ties with several Nigerian players, most notably Obafemi Martins, to whom he bore a striking resemblance.
