Victor Umoh Pays Tribute to Late Father with Jersey Name

Sporting Lagos midfielder Victor Umoh has shared the emotional reason behind wearing his father’s name on his jersey in the Nigeria Premier Football League. He made this decision shortly after facing a deep personal loss.

Football fans know him as Clifford. The playmaker explained that changing his name was a heartfelt way to honor his late father, who loved football and was his biggest supporter. It also reflects his background from the streets of Nasarawa.

“Decided to change the name to honour my dad,” Umoh said. “From Victor to Clifford, Clifford is also my name, the name my dad normally calls me. So, I changed the name to honour my dad, and also the streets, because where I grew up in Nasarawa, everybody calls me Clifford, everybody knows me as Clifford.”

The decision took on more meaning due to the timing. Umoh revealed that he learned about his father's death right after a training session. This was just before a key match against Osun United last season. He got the sad news from his elder brother.

Lost in grief, the midfielder went to his balcony alone, thinking about whether to continue with the team’s goals or take a break. In an impressive show of strength, he decided to play through his pain. He informed his coach before stepping onto the field.

“I told myself that I still need to play the match, so I went ahead and informed coach Jeff,” he recounted. “I told him that I lost my dad… Then I told him, like, ‘I’m still going to the Osun game.’ We went there, we won the match, we got promoted. I was the happiest person that day on that pitch.”

Umoh refused to let this tragedy stop the team’s season goals. He talked with his siblings before finalizing his registration for the top league. Now, wearing the number 10 jersey and his father’s name, he aims to achieve his targets and honor his father’s memory in Nigerian club football.