Inside the Untold Life of Rasak Omotoyossi: Biography, Nollywood Marriage Drama & Fallout with Nigeria’s Football Team
When you mention Nigerian footballers who left a mark, Razak Omotoyossi will always spark a conversation.
His journey was anything but ordinary — from the streets of Lagos to becoming Benin Republic’s football hero after a bitter fallout with Nigeria.
Known for his passion, controversies, and unforgettable moments, Omotoyossi carved a legacy that crossed borders.
The prolific striker, however, passed away on August 19, 2025, at the age of 39, leaving fans and the football world in shock.
Biography
Net Worth
$I million
Name
Abdul-Razak Omotoyossi
Wife
Bose Alao Omotoyossi
Gender
Male
Born
October 8, 1985
Age
39 years old
Died
August 19, 2025
Nationality
Nigerian → Beninese (switched 2005)
Position
Striker
Internationality
Benin – 55 caps, 21 goals (2nd all-time top scorer)
Height
1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Early life
Abdul-Razak Omotoyossi was born in Lagos, Nigeria, where he grew up playing barefoot street football before joining FC Ebedei and later Sunshine Stars.
In 2005, his career took a dramatic turn. Omotoyossi was handed a five-year ban in Nigeria for allegedly assaulting a referee in a league match. He denied wrongdoing, calling it a “misunderstanding.”
Facing the ban, he switched nationality to the Benin Republic, where he relaunched his career. It was there he made headlines by pressing the Nigeria team as a way of paybacks in a competitive match — a strike that stung his country of birth and cemented his place in Beninese football history.
Marriage, Nollywood wife drama & Alaga role
In 2007, Omotoyossi married Nollywood actress Bose Alao, and together they had four daughters.
Bose is not only known for her Nollywood career but also for her role as an Alaga (traditional wedding compere). In April 2025, she hosted the high-profile wedding of Priscilla Ojo #JP2025, the daughter of star actress Iyabo Ojo — a glamorous event that went viral across social media.
However, their marriage wasn’t without storms. In 2018, Bose publicly accused him of domestic abuse and temporarily left the marriage. Later, she clarified:
“It’s a marital issue that needs counseling, not public crucifixion.”
In a recent interview with fellow actor Biola Bayo, the actress opened up about a three-year separation from her husband, Razak, describing a tumultuous journey full of emotional highs and lows:
“I became a side-chick to my husband,” she admitted, explaining how, during their separation, she maintained contact despite feeling sidelined. “We were apart for three years, but I wasn’t done with the marriage,” she said. “When someone asked if I’d had enough, I said no. I was ready to give it everything.”
She also shared a startling personal coping mechanism from that time:
“I’ve been through things I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy,” she revealed. In a surprising confession, Bose added that during those difficult years she sent intimate photos in exchange for designer gifts and ₦700,000, an emotionally revealing glimpse into her struggle.
Moreover, she paid tribute to actress Iyabo Ojo, highlighting a turning point.
The couple reconciled, renewed their vows privately, and remained together until his death.
Football controversies
1. 2005 Nigeria referee ban – Allegedly assaulted a referee, which led to his nationality switch. He always maintained it was a misunderstanding.
2. Zamalek contract dispute (2015) – Left Egypt over unpaid wages; Zamalek counter-claimed breach. Eventually settled out of court.
3. Club-hopping years (2018–2019) – Criticized for instability as he moved between several clubs. He blamed injuries and family struggles.
Final struggles & death
Omotoyossi’s final years were marked by hardship:
•July 2025: His home in Benin was destroyed by fire.
•Early August 2025: His elder sister passed away, leaving him depressed and ill.
•19 August 2025: He died at the age of 39. The exact cause was not publicly disclosed.
Clubs like Helsingborg, Metz, and Zamalek, along with African football icons, paid glowing tributes online, remembering his talent and resilience.
Legacy & fun facts
•Scored the winning goal against Nigeria while playing for Benin, one of his career-defining moments.
•Second-highest all-time scorer for Benin with 21 goals.
•Nicknamed “The Dancing Striker” for his flamboyant celebrations in Sweden.
•Multilingual: English, French, Yoruba, and basic Arabic.
•Loved cooking Nigerian jollof for teammates.
•Ran informal youth football clinics in Lagos and Cotonou.
In his own words:
“Football gave me everything; I must return it to the streets.” – Razak Omotoyossi, 2020.
