Nigerian Footballer Dies After Suspected Food Poisoning in Abuja [Photo]

A Nigerian footballer has passed away after a suspected case of food poisoning in Abuja.

Philips News reports that Nigerian football talent Victor Akaniyene Udoh, a 21-year-old former player of Belgian club Royal Antwerp, has tragically passed away.

Reports indicate he died from suspected food poisoning. Multiple sources confirm that the promising forward was rushed to the hospital after falling critically ill. He fought for his life but sadly succumbed to the condition and was pronounced dead.

Confirming his death, his former club, Royal Antwerp, released a statement on the micro-blogging site, X (formerly Twitter), mourning Udoh.

The statement reads thus: “With great dismay, RAFC has learned of the passing of former player Victor Udoh (21).

“Victor arrived at the 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.

“Rest in peace, Victor,” the statement added.

Met grote verslagenheid heeft RAFC kennisgenomen van het overlijden van oud-speler Victor Udoh (21).

Victor streek in het seizoen 2023/2024 neer op de Bosuil, waar hij in zijn eerste seizoen bij de Young Reds twaalf keer wist te scoren in 21 wedstrijden. Dat seizoen maakte hij… pic.twitter.com/ISh3IPBgh3

— Royal Antwerp FC (@official_rafc) May 26, 2026

According to early reports, the 21-year-old was out with friends the night before his death.

Udoh was found unresponsive the following morning, with suspicions pointing to food or drink poisoning, though official confirmation from authorities is still pending.

Another club he played for in England, Southampton, also issued a statement mourning the young Nigerian footballer. The English club wrote: “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 statement added.

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. pic.twitter.com/EiM0FKC64J

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 26, 2026

Meanwhile, PhilipsNews reports that Udoh, who was born on October 18, 2004, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, rose through the ranks at Royal Antwerp after moving from Nigeria in 2023.

He impressed in the club’s youth setup, scoring goals and earning a first-team debut.

The Nigerian footballer later had stints with Southampton in England and, most recently, with Czech club SK Dynamo České Budějovice.