Nigerian football has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Southampton and Royal Antwerp winger Victor Udoh at the age of 21.
Royal Antwerp confirmed the passing of the Nigerian youngster on Tuesday in an emotional statement, paying tribute to one of their former academy graduates.
“It is with great sadness that RAFC has learned of the death of former player Victor Udoh,” the Belgian club said.
“Victor landed at the Bosuil in the 2023/2024 season, where he managed to score twelve times in 21 games in his first season with the Young Reds.
“That season, he also made his official debut for the first team in the home game against Charleroi.
“In total, Victor made 28 official appearances for The Great Old and provided two assists before making the switch to Southampton.
“Our thoughts are with Victor’s family, friends and loved ones. We wish them a lot of strength, support and warmth in this particularly difficult period.
“Rest in peace, Victor.”
Former Royal Antwerp winger Victor Udoh has died at the age of 21. Royal Antwerp on X
Born in Abuja, Udoh rose through the youth ranks at Royal Antwerp after leaving Nigeria in pursuit of a professional football career. He was regarded as one of the promising young attacking talents to emerge from the club’s academy system.
The winger moved to Southampton in January 2025 and spent six months at St Mary’s after joining from Antwerp. During his spell in England, Udoh featured for Southampton’s Under-21 side in Premier League 2, scoring twice before leaving the club by mutual consent in September.
After his departure from Southampton, he continued his career in Europe with Czech lower league side Dynamo Ceske Budejovice.
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Reports from Belgium, including journalist accounts and Belgian media, indicated Udoh died in Abuja, where he had reportedly returned during a break and regularly visited members of his immediate community.
Former Southampton and Royal Antwerp winger Victor Udoh. Photocredit: Getty Images
Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad reported that the circumstances surrounding his death were being treated as suspicious, although authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the cause.
Viral reports circulating on social media have speculated that suspected food or alcohol poisoning may have contributed to the tragedy after the winger allegedly spent time with friends before he was found dead the following morning. However, no official confirmation has been provided, and the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear.
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Udoh’s sudden passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from football supporters and members of the Nigerian football community, many remembering the winger for his pace, dribbling ability and promise during the early stages of his career.
More details are expected to emerge in the coming days as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding his death.
