English premier League side Southampton have reportedly agreed a a fee with Royal Antwerp for the signing of 20-year- old forward Victor Udoh ahead of the winter transfer deadline.
Until his reported transfer to St. Mary’s, he remained a well-kept secret in the football world—a rising Nigerian talent whose name would resonate only with the most devoted followers of Royal Antwerp.
For those outside the inner circles of the Belgian club, his emergence has been nothing short of a revelation.
In this piece, we profile Victor Udoh, the rising star who could be the next big thing.
- Name: Victor Akaniyene Udoh
- Date of birth: 18 October 2024
- Place of birth: Madalla, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
Udoh’s football journey: From Abuja to Antwerp’s first team
In the summer of 2023, an 18-year-old Victor Udoh made the leap from his native Nigeria to Belgium, signing for Royal Antwerp. Before his move to Europe, he had honed his skills at Hypebuzz Academy Abuja.
Udoh wasted no time making an impact, netting 12 goals in 21 matches for Antwerp’s junior team in the Belgian third tier during the 2023/24 season.
His prolific form earned him a promotion to the senior squad, where he has since made 28 appearances for the Belgian Pro League outfit. However, the left-footed Nigerian starlet is still searching for his first goal at the top level.
The majority of his first-team appearances have come as late substitute cameos, and since December, he has primarily featured for Antwerp’s under-23 side in the third division.
International career
Victor Udoh has already had a taste of international football, having represented Nigeria at the U17 level.
A promising talent with an exciting future ahead, he was among the select group of players called up by coach Fatai Amoo for the U17 AFCON WAFU B qualifiers held in Lomé, Togo, from January 5 to January 10, 2021.
Victor Udoh is represented by Emeka Obasi of Elite Project Group, the same agent who manages Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo. Obasi also oversees the careers of Princewill Ehibhatiomhan and former Saints star Roméo Lavia.
With Udoh on the verge of a move to St. Mary’s, his ties to Aribo could prove invaluable as he prepares for the next step in his career.
