Claims circulating online that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen made a swift trip to Lagos to attend a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) service following Nigeria's crucial victory over Algeria have been debunked as false and misleading.
The Viral Claim and Its Source
After Nigeria defeated the Fennec Foxes of Algeria in the quarter-final of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, a Facebook user named Enoch Arthur made a post that quickly gained traction. Arthur claimed that Victor Osimhen immediately flew to Lagos on Sunday, January 11, 2026, to attend a service at the RCCG. To back his claim, he shared a photograph showing Osimhen amidst a congregation of worshippers at what appeared to be an RCCG parish.
Verification Reveals the Truth
An investigation into the viral image reveals a different story. A reverse image search and verification by fact-checking platforms, including DUBAWA, show that the photograph is not from 2026. The image was originally shared on Facebook on January 1, 2024.
Further confirmation comes from a Vanguard newspaper report dated January 1, 2024, which stated that Osimhen attended a crossover service at a church in Lagos on New Year's Eve of 2023/2024. The image shared by the Facebook user is identical to the one published in 2024, depicting Osimhen at that earlier event.
Conclusion: No Evidence for 2026 Visit
There is no credible evidence to support the claim that Victor Osimhen left the Nigerian team camp in Morocco in January 2026. The viral narrative is built on an old image repurposed to create a false connection to the recent AFCON victory. Osimhen remains with the Super Eagles squad as they prepare for their semi-final clash against Morocco on January 14, 2026.
This incident highlights the rapid spread of misinformation, especially surrounding popular figures during major national events like AFCON. Fans are urged to verify such claims from reputable news sources before sharing.
Meanwhile, Osimhen continues to be a pivotal figure for Nigeria in the tournament, having scored four goals so far. The team is aiming for its fourth AFCON title, while Morocco seeks its first since 1976.
