NIGERIA – Southampton and Royal Antwerp have led an outpouring of tributes following the death of former Nigerian forward Victor Udoh, who was found dead in the city of Abuja.
Victor Udoh, the 21-year-old Nigerian forward who represented Southampton and Royal Antwerp during his short but promising career, has died after being found dead in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, on Monday night, May 25, 2026. News of his passing emerged on Tuesday, May 26, with multiple reports confirming the tragic development.
According to Belgian media outlet Het Nieuwsblad, as cited by The Mirror and The Sun, Udoh had gone out with friends in Abuja the night before he was found dead the following morning. The circumstances surrounding his death have been described as suspicious by multiple outlets, with suspected food or drink poisoning mentioned in some early reports. Nigerian authorities have not officially verified these claims.
Udoh had recently returned to Nigeria following the end of his spell with Czech club SK Dynamo České Budějovice and was on holiday in Abuja at the time of the incident. Investigations are understood to be ongoing.
Both Southampton and Royal Antwerp issued official statements confirming the tragic news and expressing their condolences to Udoh’s family.
Southampton, where Udoh spent seven months as part of the club’s development setup, said on X (formerly Twitter): “We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21. The thoughts of everyone at the club go out to Victor’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”
Royal Antwerp, the club where Udoh first rose to prominence in European football, expressed their condolences: “Our thoughts are with Victor’s family, friends and loved ones. We wish them much strength, support and warmth during this particularly difficult time. Rest in peace, Victor.”
Born on October 18, 2004, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Udoh came through the youth system at Royal Antwerp, scoring 12 goals in 21 appearances for the club’s youth setup before earning senior opportunities in the Belgian Pro League at just 19.
His impressive performances attracted the attention of English Championship side Southampton, who signed him in January 2025 on a three-and-a-half-year deal. However, Udoh made no senior appearances for the Saints during his seven-month spell at the club, departing by mutual consent before joining Czech second division side SK Dynamo České Budějovice – his final club before his tragic passing.
The football world continues to mourn the loss of a player whose career had only just begun, with further details on the circumstances of his death expected as Nigerian authorities continue their investigations.
