Sports

Nigerian star who could be immortalized in Benin Republic reveals stunning reason why he dumped Super Eagles

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 02:41 pm

Nigerian-born footballer Razak Omotoyossi has disclosed that one of the best moments of his career was playing against the Super Eagles, adding that he never regretted opting to play for Benin Republic.

Born in Agege Lagos, Rasak was forced into a new phase of life in neighbouring Benin Republic after he was banned for five years for allegedly attacking the referee during a Nigerian league match involving Enyimba and Sunshine Stars in 2003.

In a bid to continue his quest for a successful footballing career, he moved to Pobe, a neighbouring village between Benin and Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, playing for Avrankou Omnispor, before making his debut for the Squirrels of Benin.

At 34, Omotoyossi has played in Egypt, Turkey, France, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Morocco and he has featured for the Benin national football team in 58 matches scoring 21 goals.

He led the Squirrels’ attack against the Super Eagles at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola where Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s spot-kick late in the first half earned Nigeria the vital win.

“One of my best moments was playing against Nigeria. Playing against my friends, Oba (Obafemi Martins) was there, Taiye (Taiwo) was there, Yobo (Joseph) was there,” Omotoyossi told Legit.ng during a live Instagram chat.

“These are people I see almost every day, we train together. It was like we were playing ‘set’. It was also a moment to prove that no one should be left behind, I never regretted my decision to play for Benin Republic.”

Lebanese government suspends issuance of working visas to Nigerians, gives reason Omotoyossi is a cult hero in the West African nation and reports say a new stadium being built in the country’s capital Cotonou might be named after him.

He added: “I’m happy to also say that people have suggested that the next stadium they want to build in Benin should be named after me; so why should I not thank God.

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

Zimbabwe’s rich (Mbingas) linked to state looting

Gilbert Machokoto, a former teacher, said that setting up a business in the late 1980s, shortlyafter Zimbabwe's independence, was ‘like…

November 4, 2024

Historic Shift in Botswana as PresidentConcedes to Opposition Victory

Following elections in which the party that had ruled the diamond-rich nation for almost 60years suffered a historic setback. Botswana's…

November 4, 2024

Lightning Strike at Uganda Refugee CampClaims 14 Lives, Including Children

A lightning strike at a refugee camp in Uganda kills 14 people including children with 34 othershospitalized. The incident happened…

November 4, 2024

From television hopeful to red carpet royalty: Kuhle Adams’ journey frompresenter to South Africa’s biggest awards

From TV hopeful to red carpet royalty, Kuhle Adams' journey is a remarkable story of talentand perseverance. Beginning as an…

November 3, 2024

Breaking Barriers: Kenya’s First FemaleCoach in Men’s Premier League MakesHistory

A new dawn in African football dawns as Jackline Juma is set to become the firstwoman to coach a men’s…

November 3, 2024

Kithure Kindiki Sworn In as Kenya’sDeputy President Amid Court Stoppedhis Appointment Last Time

Last Friday Kithure Kindiki was again inaugurated as Kenya's new deputy president followinglegal challenges by his predecessor.The man who Kindiki…

November 3, 2024

This website uses cookies.