Southampton sign Nigerian duo Victor Udoh and Zach Awe in last minute deadline day deals

ENGLISH Premier League club Southampton  signed two Nigerians before the close of the January transfer window yesterday signing a three-and-a-half-year contract with striker Victor Udoh and recalling Zach Awe from his loan spell at Accrington Stanley.

Udoh, 20, signed for the Saints from Belgian side Antwerp, who he joined in 2023 from Hypebuzz FC Academy in Abuja and has since made 28 senior appearances. Udoh, who scored 12 goals in 21 matches last season, will begin training with his new teammates at Southampton once his international clearance is approved.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's Hale End Academy graduate Zach Awe has been recalled from his loan spell at English Football League Two club Accrington Stanley. A central defender, Awe is back at Southampton to carry out his rehabilitation after suffering from an injury.

During his time at Accrington Stanley, whom he joined in the summer transfer window of 2024, Awe caught the eye with his performances, featuring in 27 games across all competitions. Awe, 21, scored his first senior goal in November when Accrington Stanley defeated Chesterfield in a League Two match.

Udoh and Awe will now team up with compatriots Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu, who both scored over the weekend when Southampton beat Leicester City in a Premier League fixture. Southampton are bottom of the table in the English Premier League at the moment with just nine points from 24 matches and desperately need to start winning games to avoid the drop.