Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the tragic death of former Golden Eaglets player Victor Udoh, who was found dead in Abuja on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the age of 21. Udoh, a forward who had plied his trade in Belgium, England and the Czech Republic, had returned to Nigeria for an off‑season holiday after the conclusion of the European football season. Reports surrounding the incident suggest that suspected food or alcohol poisoning may have contributed to his death, which allegedly occurred on Sunday night, May 24, 2026. The exact cause of death remains unknown, and authorities are yet to release an official statement.
Born in Abuja, Udoh began his football journey with local club Hypebuzz FC before securing a move to Belgian giants Royal Antwerp in 2023. He quickly rose through the ranks at Antwerp, scoring 12 goals in 21 appearances for the club’s reserve team, the ‘Young Reds’, before making his first‑team debut in the Belgian Pro League at the age of 19. He went on to make 28 appearances for the senior team, registering two assists. His performances attracted the attention of scouts from England, and in February 2025 he signed a three‑and‑a‑half‑year contract with Southampton. Udoh spent six months with the Saints’ academy, featuring in eight Premier League 2 matches for the Under‑21 side and scoring twice. However, he was unable to break into the first team and left the club by mutual consent in September 2025.
After his departure from Southampton, Udoh moved to Czech second‑division side SK Dynamo České Budějovice, signing a contract that would have kept him at the club until 2028. On the international stage, he was a member of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets squad that featured at the 2021 WAFU B U‑17 Championship in Togo, where the team finished as runners‑up after a 3‑2 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the final. News of Udoh’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the football community. His former club Royal Antwerp expressed their dismay in a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “With great dismay, RAFC has learned of the passing of former player Victor Udoh. 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 paid tribute, stating: “We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21. The thoughts of everyone at the club go out to Victor’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.” Udoh had reportedly proposed to his girlfriend just over a month before his death, adding a layer of heartbreak to the tragedy. As investigations into the circumstances of his passing continue, the football world waits for official confirmation from authorities.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments