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Razaq Omotoyosi: Nigerian-born striker dies at 39

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Razaq Omotoyosi: Nigerian-born striker dies at 39

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian-born footballer, Razak Omotoyossi, has passed away at the age of 39.

Born in Lagos but representing Benin Republic at international level, Omotoyossi rose to become one of the country’s most iconic football figures.

His death was officially announced on Tuesday by football authorities in Benin, sparking an outpouring of grief across the football community.

Former Swedish club Helsingborgs IF paid tribute on X, writing: “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.”

Another of his former clubs, Syrianska FC, also expressed sadness: “Syrianska FC has with deep sorrow received the extremely tragic news of Razak Omotoyossi’s passing.

“He passed away at the age of 39. Syrianska expresses its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Razak Omotoyossi.”

Veteran BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji described Omotoyossi as a shining light for West African football: “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Razak Omotoyossi.

“My thoughts are with his family (especially wife Bose Alao Omotoyossi & his children), friends and former teammates at this terribly sad time. Top guy, fantastic footballer who’s been through a lot since 2015.”

During his career, Omotoyossi played for notable European clubs, including French Ligue 1 side Metz, where he was regarded as a cult hero.

He represented Benin Republic 55 times, scoring 21 goals, and remains one of their most prolific strikers in history.

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Samuel Ahmadu
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
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