EFL Championship side Southampton and Belgian Pro League outfit Royal Antwerp each penned heartfelt tributes after learning about the death of 21-year-old Nigerian forward Victor Udoh, Footynaija.com reports.
Udoh, who spent time at both clubs before switching to Czech second division outfit Dynamo Ceske Budejovice last summer, has reportedly died ‘under suspicious circumstances’ after returning to Nigeria for his end of season break.
According to Belgian outlet nieuwsblad, the youngster was found dead in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria but the actual cause of his demise remains unknown.
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Reacting to the heartbreaking development, both Southampton and Antwerp offered their condolences via heartfelt statements posted on social media.
The Saints wrote; “We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21. The thoughts of everyone at #SaintsFC go out to Victor’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”
We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21.
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 26, 2026
The thoughts of everyone at #SaintsFC go out to Victor's loved ones at this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/EiM0FKC64J
In their own message, Antwerp reminisced about Udoh’s time at the club; “With great dismay, RAFC has learned of the passing of former player Victor Udoh (21).
“Victor arrived at the Bosuil in the 2023/2024 season, where in his first season with the Young Reds he managed to score twelve times in 21 matches.
“That season, he also made his official debut for the first team in the home match against Charleroi. In total, Victor appeared officially 28 times for The Great Old and provided two assists, before making the move to Southampton.
“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.”
Udoh began his career with Abuja based club Hypebuzz, before sealing a move to Royal Antwerp in the summer of 2023. He went on to swap Belgium for England after joining Southampton in February 2025 but after struggling to break into the first team, he joined Dynamo Ceske Budejovice last September.
