21-Year-Old Nigerian Footballer Victor Udoh Dies During Holiday Visit To Nigeria

Nigerian footballer Victor Udoh has tragically died at the age of 21 while on holiday in Abuja, the country’s capital city.

The former Southampton and Royal Antwerp forward was reportedly found dead on the morning of Monday, May 25, 2026, after spending the previous evening with friends.

While the exact cause of death remains officially unconfirmed, early reports indicate that the tragic incident is being investigated as suspected food or alcohol poisoning.

Udoh had recently returned to Nigeria following the conclusion of the Czech domestic season, where he was playing for second-division club Dynamo České Budějovice.

His former teammate, Pierre Dwomoh, shared his shock and disbelief upon learning of Udoh’s passing. “I woke up to it on Tuesday morning. Initially, you think something like this could only happen in your dreams, until you read the message carefully and realize: this is real,” Dwomoh told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

Both of Udoh’s former European clubs have released emotional statements mourning his loss. “We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21,” Southampton FC said in an official statement. “The thoughts of everyone at #SaintsFC go out to Victor’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time”.

Belgian club Royal Antwerp, where Udoh first rose to prominence, also paid tribute. “It is with great sadness that RAFC has taken note of the passing of former player Victor Udoh (21),” the club said. “In total, Victor made 28 official appearances for The Great Old and was good for two assists, before making the move to Southampton. Rest in peace, Victor”.

Udoh began his professional journey with Royal Antwerp in the 2023/2024 season, where he scored an impressive 12 goals in 21 matches for the Young Reds before breaking into the first team . He later signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Southampton in February 2025 . After leaving the Saints in September 2025, he joined his most recent club in the Czech Republic.

The Nigerian football community is in mourning, with Udoh’s death coming just one month after the passing of former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo.