Victor Udoh – who spent seven months at Southampton last year – has died in his native Nigeria, with the forward having returned home following the end of the season with Czech club Dynamo Ceske Budejovice
15:31, 26 May 2026Updated 16:22, 26 May 2026
Victor Udoh playing for Royal Antwerp(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
Former Southampton player Victor Udoh has died at the age of 21. The forward’s death reportedly occurred ‘under suspicious circumstances’, although the cause remains unknown.
Belgian outlet nieuwsblad add that Udoh was found dead in Abuja, the capital of his home country, Nigeria. The 21-year-old joined Southampton in February 2025, but he left the club just seven months into his three-and-half-year contract.
Udoh went straight into Southampton’s academy and didn’t make an appearance at senior level for the Saints. The Nigerian departed St Mary’s in September of last year via mutual consent in search of regular football, joining Czech second division club Dynamo Ceske Budejovice on a three-year deal.
It was with Belgian giants Royal Antwerp that Udoh began his journey in European football. Antwerp signed him aged 18 from Abuja-based club Hypebuzz.
WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football’s greatest tournament – Buy the Special Edition today
READ MORE: Jarrod Bowen releases statement on West Ham future after ’embarrassing’ relegationREAD MORE: Crystal Palace star Dean Henderson details mental struggles after FA Cup glory
Udoh was prolific for Antwerp’s reserve team, scoring 12 goals in 21 games. Handed his first-team debut at 19, he went on to make 28 appearances in Belgium before Southampton signed him.
The Saints said in a heartfelt statement: “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.”
Antwerp also shared their condolences by saying: “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.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Udoh’s ex-team-mate and former Watford midfielder, Pierre Dwomoh, reacted to the news on Instagram. “I woke up to it on Tuesday morning,” Dwomoh wrote.
“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.”
Dwomoh added that he had hoped to meet up with Udoh this summer. “Victor, just like me, was looking for a new club this summer,” he explained.
“A few days ago, I asked about his holiday plans. I am going to Morocco and combining that trip with a training camp I invited him to, but he told me that he was working hard in Nigeria.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.