Former Southampton and Royal Antwerp forward Victor Udoh dies at 21

[p]The 21-year-old Nigerian, who represents Czech second-tier side [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/ceske-budejovice/bJ4XSQ6B/"]Dynamo Ceske Budejovice[/a], was confirmed dead on Tuesday in Abuja while on holiday following the completion of the 2025/26 campaign.[/p][p]Although the cause of death has not been confirmed, multiple sources in the media have speculated that he died of food or alcohol poisoning.[/p][p]After learning about his demise, the Saints consoled the player’s family.[/p][embed guid="406335a3-c718-43f8-b452-6fdd059ec580" url="https://x.com/SouthamptonFC/status/2059290903630459208" social-type="twitter" /][p]“[b]We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/udoh-victor/AymlPbCO/"]Victor Udoh[/a] at the age of 21. The thoughts of everyone at #SaintsFC go out to Victor’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time[/b],” the English side wrote in a statement.[/p][p]Also, his former Belgian side, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/antwerp/rVpPxw8H/"]Royal Antwerp[/a], reacted to the devastating news that read: “With great dismay, RAFC has learned of the passing of former player Victor Udoh.[/p][p]“[b]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[/b].”[/p][p]Born in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Udoh began his career at Hypebuzz before moving to Belgium to continue his football development at Royal Antwerp’s youth squad.[/p][p]Having impressed in the youth team, he was promoted to the senior team and subsequently made his debut for the Belgian Pro League side at 19. He went on to make 28 appearances for the Reds but failed to find the net.[/p][p]Even at that, his talent did not go unnoticed by English side [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/southampton/WdKOwxDM/"]Southampton[/a], signing him in January 2025 in a three-and-a-half-year deal, and he was sent to the club’s development team.[/p][p]Following his inability to break into the club’s first team, he left by mutual consent to join Czech second division side Dynamo Ceske Budejovice in October 2025 on a three-year deal that would keep him at the club until 2028.[/p][image alt="Shina Oludare" id="77f4edee-493b-45e2-b24b-0d9a1e05766a" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="8e310424-c458-4604-a830-78a2e496e428" original-width="1200" original-height="381" /]