Former Nigerian player, Victor Udoh dies at 21

Former Royal Antwerp and Southampton youth forward Victor Udoh has passed away at the age of 21, prompting an emotional tribute from his former teammate, Pierre Dwomoh, who expressed his sorrow and disbelief upon receiving the news.

Dwomoh also shared on Instagram how he first learned of the tragic development and found it difficult to come to terms with it.

“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. Some of Victor’s relatives I spoke with confirmed his passing,” he was quoted as saying by the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

The Belgian-Ghanaian midfielder mentioned that he had kept in close touch with Udoh in recent weeks, as both young players were navigating uncertain career paths while seeking new opportunities ahead of the summer transfer window.

“Victor, like me, was searching for a new club this summer. A few days ago, I inquired about his holiday plans. I am heading to Morocco and combining that trip with a training camp I invited him to, but he informed me that he was diligently working in Nigeria.”

Dwomoh reminisced about the friendship they developed during their time at Royal Antwerp, highlighting how quickly they connected despite their different backgrounds and nationalities.

“In the summer of 2024, I briefly returned from RWDM to Antwerp and shared a meal with Victor. A Nigerian and a Ghanaian, it just clicked.”

He also honoured Udoh’s talent and playing style, characterising him as a skilled attacker with exceptional technical abilities and a strong desire to excel at the highest level.

“He was quick, possessed an incredibly sharp dribble, and had a resilient mentality.”

Dwomoh further reflected on the challenges both players encountered in European football, especially the struggle to establish themselves after periods in England, where opportunities for young talents can be scarce.