Osimhen Reveals Reason For Wearing a Face Mask

Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, has shared a harrowing account of the facial injury he sustained during a 2021 Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan.

The brutal collision with Inter defender Milan Škriniar left Osimhen with multiple fractures to his cheekbone and eye socket, requiring immediate surgery.

“It was a game against Inter Milan in San Siro,” Osimhen recalled in a recent interview with Daddy Freeze. “My teammates crossed the ball, so I wanted to head the ball and the guy was bringing his own head and hit my face. All the bones on my face were broken.”

The impact was so severe that Osimhen momentarily lost consciousness. “I was seeing blank until their goalkeeper touched me, that was when I knew I was alive,” he said. “It was a near-death injury.”

After lying on the ground for about ten minutes, Osimhen was taken directly to the hospital. Initially, he was unaware of the extent of the damage and resisted surgery. “I asked our team doctor when I would play again. I never knew the injury was that bad,” he said. “Then, they did an X-ray, the doctor came and said I had to do surgery, as quickly as possible. I said I am not doing surgery. I cannot allow you to cut my face. He said no, they will go through my jaw and I cannot eat there for the rest of my life.”

To protect his face post-surgery, doctors recommended the use of a mask, which Osimhen still wears today. “It was recommended and the doctor said, left for him he will keep on wearing it (the mask) till he’s done,” he explained. “So I asked him what’s the risk and he said, ‘if you get the same hit again, you’re done.’”

Reflecting on the gravity of the incident, Osimhen admitted, “There are worst injuries in football but I could have lost my eyes. That’s the reason why I put on the mask, so I can jump and head.”

The mask has become a crucial part of Osimhen’s protection, allowing him to continue playing the game he loves without risking further damage to his face.

VANGUARD