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Nigerian-Born Benin Striker, Omotoyossi Dies 39

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Nigerian-born Benin Republic striker Razak Omotoyossi has tragically died aged 39. The passing of the Beninese football icon and former Blackpool trialist was announced on Tuesday. Omotoyossi, who was born in Nigeria but represented neighbouring Benin, played for 15 clubs during his career before calling it a day as a professional footballer in 2021. Helsingborg, Al-Nassr, Metz and Zamalek were the most high-profile teams the late striker played for. And a number of his old sides paid tribute to him upon learning of his untimely death. Swedish side Helsingborgs wrote in a statement on X: “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. Rest in peace, Razak.” Syrianski FC wrote: “Syrianska FC has received with deep sadness the extremely tragic news of the passing of Razak Omotoyossi. “He passed away at the age of 39. Syrianska expresses its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. “Rest in peace, Razak Omotoyossi.” Omotoyossi was prolific for Benin Republic, scoring 21 goals in 55 appearances for The Cheetahs across the span of 12 years. The cause of Omotoyossi’s tragic death has yet to be revealed.

Benin coup: Presidential guard, Ex-Minister arrested

Fola Badmus12 months ago12 months ago02 mins

Three men in Benin, including a former minister and the man in charge of President Patrice Talon’s security, have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a coup, the state prosecutor has said. Ex-sports minister Oswald Homeky was caught on Tuesday while handing over six bags of money to the head of the Republican Guard, Elonm Mario Metonou, the prosecutor told a press conference. Investigators said Col Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre was being bribed not to resist a coup d’etat planned for Friday in the small West African nation. Also detained was a businessman, Olivier Boko – a friend of President Talon – who had recently indicated he had political ambitions. Mr Boko’s lawyers and supporters condemned what they called his “abduction” and have demanded his immediate release. Investigations are ongoing to identify further suspects, the prosecutor said. Benin, once praised as a multi-party democracy, has taken a more autocratic turn under the presidency of Patrice Talon, rights groups say. President Talon announced he would not seek a third term in office in the 2026 elections. There have been eight military takeovers and several other coup attempts in West and Central Africa since 2020.