While media reports speculate potential poisoning, official investigations are still ongoing. Both Southampton and Antwerp have paid tributes to the young striker, Yankee Score reports…
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has confirmed the demise of Victor Udoh, the 21-year-old striker who used to play for Antwerp and Southampton.
A Promising Career Cut Short
“We are shocked and saddened beyond words that such a promising life has been cut short in very unusual circumstances,” NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire told ESPN.
“We are awaiting more details, but this is horrendous and heartbreaking.”
He was discovered in Abuja dead. Sources state that the 21-year-old had returned to Nigeria when the Czech league came to an end. He last played for Czech club Dynamo České Budějovice.
He was reportedly found dead in Abuja in the morning having gone out with friends late.
Cause of death still Unknown
Some reports in the Nigerian media state that food and drink poisoning could be responsible for his death, although there has not been any confirmation from the relevant authorities.
European Clubs Extend Condolences
Some of the teams he played for have issued statements mourning him. X account for Royal Antwerp shared some words regarding his death. They said the player made an impact while playing for them, even if he only did for a brief period of time.
Met grote verslagenheid heeft RAFC kennisgenomen van het overlijden van oud-speler Victor Udoh (21).
Victor streek in het seizoen 2023/2024 neer op de Bosuil, waar hij in zijn eerste seizoen bij de Young Reds twaalf keer wist te scoren in 21 wedstrijden. Dat seizoen maakte hij… pic.twitter.com/ISh3IPBgh3
— Royal Antwerp FC (@official_rafc) May 26, 2026
“With great dismay, RAFC has learned of the passing of former player Victor Udoh,” the club wrote. “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.”
Southampton also condoled with his family on X.
“We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21,” the club said. “The thoughts of everyone at Saints FC 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.
The thoughts of everyone at #SaintsFC go out to Victor’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/EiM0FKC64J
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 26, 2026
Udoh’s career began when he started playing football for Hypebuzz FC in Abuja. His excellent performance earned him a spot in Royal Antwerp in 2023. The Nigerian player’s performance in Belgium attracted him a deal to play for Southampton for three and half years.
After his short-term spell at Southampton, Udoh left by mutual consent since he did not get enough playing opportunities; he made only eight appearances for the under-21 squad in Premier League 2.
In October 2025, he joined Dynamo České Budějovice based in the Czech Republic’s second tier on a deal which expires in 2028.
