Nigerian forward Victor Udoh dies at 21, ex-club mourns

Nigerian forward Victor Udoh, who played for clubs including Royal Antwerp FC and Southampton, has died at the age of 21. Reports indicate his death occurred in Nigeria under suspicious circumstances, though the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.

Udoh was recently with Czech club Dynamo České Budějovice, having joined them after leaving Southampton in 2025. He had previously progressed through the ranks at Royal Antwerp, where he scored twelve goals in 21 matches for the Young Reds in the 2023/2024 season. He made 28 official appearances for the first team, providing two assists, before his move to Southampton.

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With great dismay, RAFC has learned of the passing of former player Victor Udoh (21).

Royal Antwerp FC confirmed Udoh's passing in a statement shared on their official X account. "With great dismay, RAFC has learned of the passing of former player Victor Udoh (21)," the club stated. "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."

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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 signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Southampton but did not make a senior appearance during his seven months at the club before mutually agreeing to leave in search of more playing time. Before his move to England, he played for Royal Antwerp after joining from Abuja-based Hypebuzz. He was widely considered a promising young talent early in his European career.

Former teammate Pierre Dwomoh reacted to the news, expressing shock and disbelief. "I woke up to it on Tuesday morning," Dwomoh wrote on Instagram. "At first you think something like this happens in your sleep, until you read the message thoroughly and realise: this s*** is real. Some of Victor’s relatives I spoke to confirmed his death."

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I woke up to it on Tuesday morning. At first you think something like this happens in your sleep, until you read the message thoroughly and realise: this s*** is real. Some of Victor’s relatives I spoke to confirmed his death.