Tragedy rocks Nigerian football as former Southampton player passes away in Abuja

Former Southampton and Royal Antwerp winger has reportedly died in Abuja at the age of 21 

Early reports suggest the Nigerian footballer may have suffered suspected food or alcohol poisoning after going out with friends 

Nigerian football has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of former Southampton and Royal Antwerp winger Victor Udoh.

According to Politics Nigeria, the 21-year-old footballer reportedly died in Abuja on Monday, May 25, under heartbreaking circumstances, with early reports suggesting suspected food or alcohol poisoning.

Udoh was believed to be in Nigeria enjoying his post-season holiday when the tragic incident occurred. According to reports, the young winger had gone out with friends before he was later found lifeless the following morning.

The shocking development has sent waves of sadness across the Nigerian football community, especially among those who followed his rapid rise from Abuja-based grassroots football to Europe.

The talented winger began his football journey with Hypebuzz FC in Abuja before securing a move to Belgian side Royal Antwerp in 2023. His performances quickly attracted attention, eventually earning him a move to English Championship side Southampton in February 2025 on a three-and-a-half-year deal. Although he struggled to break into Southampton’s first team, Udoh continued developing within the club’s youth ranks and later moved to Czech Republic second division side Dynamo Ceske Budejovice.

Before his passing, Udoh had featured eight times for Southampton’s U21 side, scoring two goals. He also impressed during his spell with Royal Antwerp’s youth team, where he scored 12 goals in 27 appearances, per Transfermarkt.

The winger later earned promotion to Antwerp’s senior side and went on to make 28 appearances before his untimely death. Friends and close associates described Udoh as humble, hardworking and full of dreams for the future.