Victor Osimhen is due back in Galatasaray training on Monday, but his readiness for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid has been thrown into the spotlight, footynaija.com reports.
This development comes after Osimhen was seen partying in Lagos following Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
The Nigerian striker did not play in Saturday’s third-place playoff against Egypt in Casablanca, which Nigeria won 4–2 on penalties.
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Shortly afterwards, Osimhen was seen leaving the stadium with his bags and later appeared in videos from a Lagos nightclub alongside Wilfred Ndidi and Chidozie Awaziem.
No rest for the boys! Osimhen, Ndidi, Onuachu, and Awaziem head straight to the airport to resume club duties in Europe pic.twitter.com/vu1Vdnb3ux
— Enugu Celebrities (@EnuguCelebritis) January 18, 2026
Still, Osimhen is clearly enjoying his time within the permitted window set out by Galatasaray as confirmed by club coach Okan Buruk at the weelend. “We spoke with Osimhen today (Saturday, January 17). He had pain when he came off in the last match. He said he wouldn’t play in the third-place match, but that he could be used if absolutely necessary. He will be with us at training on Monday,” Buruk said as per Milliyet.
Osimhen had a strong tournament, playing five matches, scoring four goals and providing two assists as Nigeria finished third. While he missed the playoff, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero, saving two penalties as the Super Eagles secured a record ninth bronze medal.
The Lagos outing, reportedly part of Tunde Perry’s birthday celebration, has split opinion among Galatasaray fans. Perry shared a video with the striker and wrote: “Kai from Morocco Victor,” adding “Otorpinpin paaaaaa DATieeeee Mo”, and later said, “8am on Sunday, on my birthday.”
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Some supporters believe Osimhen had earned the right to celebrate after a long tournament. Others argue the timing, so close to a crucial European match, was unnecessary.
Galatasaray’s staff will now assess his condition in training. If there are no problems, Osimhen is expected to start against Atletico, but the debate around his detour to Lagos has already ensured all eyes will be on him.
