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From Abuja to London: How ex-Golden Eaglet’s football journey can inspire youngsters

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Udoh, a former Golden Eaglet, signed a three-year deal and hopes to develop at the Premier League sideSouthampton has signed 20-year-old Victor Udoh from Royal Antwerp, with the striker joining their U-21 team
  • Udoh started his career at Hypebuzz Academy in Abuja before moving to Royal Antwerp in 2023
  • The Nigerian forward scored 12 goals in 21 appearances for Antwerp’s junior team before making 28 senior appearances
  • The youngster joins a growing list of his countrymen to have played for the Saints, including Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu

Premier League side Southampton has secured the signing of 20-year-old Nigerian forward Victor Udoh from Belgian Pro League side Royal Antwerp, adding yet another promising talent to their ranks. 

While the Saints are fighting to avoid relegation, they continue their tradition of investing in young players, hoping Udoh can develop into a future star.

The club confirmed yesterday evening, February 4, that Udoh has signed a three-year contract and will initially join their U-21 team, continuing his development in England. Southampton announced the transfer with a statement,

"Southampton Football Club is pleased to confirm it has completed the transfer of attacker Victor Udoh from Royal Antwerp, subject to international clearance."

For Udoh, this move marks the next chapter in an inspiring journey that has seen him rise from grassroots football in Nigeria to the elite levels of European football.

A rapid rise through the ranks

Udoh’s journey began at Hypebuzz Academy in Abuja, where he displayed his striking and technical skills from a very young age. 

In 2023, at just 18, he moved to Belgium, signing for Royal Antwerp. He wasted no time making an impression, scoring 12 goals in 21 appearances for Antwerp’s junior team in the Belgian third tier during the 2023/24 season.

His goal-scoring exploits earned him a promotion to Antwerp’s senior squad, where he made 28 appearances. However, he struggled to find the back of the net at the top level, with most of his first-team appearances coming as late substitute cameos. 

By December, he had been featuring more regularly for Antwerp’s U-23 side, prompting his decision to seek a fresh start in England.

Following the path of Nigerian stars

Udoh joins a growing list of Nigerian players to have played for Southampton, including Paul Onuachu, Joe Aribo, and Lesley Ugochukwu. Interestingly, Udoh shares the same agent, Emeka Obasi of Elite Project Group, as Aribo and former Saints star Roméo Lavia.

His move to the Premier League side follows in the footsteps of other Nigerian talents, such as Alhassan Yusuf and Chidera Ejuke, who recently left Antwerp in search of bigger opportunities.

Despite joining Southampton’s U-21 team, Udoh will be keen to push for first-team action, especially given Southampton’s struggles in attack this season. The club has a reputation for developing young talents like Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, and James Ward-Prowse, and Udoh will hope to follow in their footsteps.

With his pace and eye for goal, Udoh’s transition from Belgium to England will be one to watch. Nigerian fans will be hoping he can become the latest success story from the West African nation to make it big in European football.

Onuachu, Aina shine as Forest hold off Saints in 3-2 thriller

Previously, TheRadar reported that Premier League side Nottingham Forest claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Southampton in a Premier League encounter at the City Ground, with Nigerian stars Paul Onuachu and Ola Aina delivering impactful performances.

The match was not without its share of controversies. A Forest goal was disallowed following a contentious VAR review, and Ugochukwu narrowly avoided a red card for a reckless late challenge.


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Yemi EnochEditor

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