English championship side Southampton have paid tribute following the death of Nigerian footballer Victor Udoh, who was an academy player at the club. 

“We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21. The thoughts of everyone at #SaintsFC go out to Victor’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time,” the club said in a statement on Tuesday. 

According to multiple reports, the young footballer was found dead in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday, with the circumstances behind his death remaining unclear as of press time. 

The 21-year-old rose to prominence at Belgian side Royal Antwerp, scoring 12 goals in 21 matches for the club’s academy team, which earned him a promotion to the first team. 

He later joined Southampton in February 2025 on a three-and-a-half-year contract but only featured eight times for the U-21 side in the Premier League 2 before leaving for Dynamo České Budějovice in Czech Republic six months later. 

Royal Antwerp have also confirmed Udoh’s death saying “With great dismay, RAFC has learned of the passing of former player Victor Udoh (21).”

The club added, “Victor arrived at Bosuil in the 2023/2024 season, where in his first season with the Young Reds he managed to score twelve times in 21 matches. 

“That season, he also made his official debut for the first team in the home match against Charleroi. In total, Victor appeared officially 28 times for The Great Old and provided two assists, before making the move to Southampton.

“Our thoughts are with Victor’s family, friends, and loved ones. We wish them much strength, support, and warmth during this particularly difficult time.”