Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has opened up about the permanent physical toll of the facial injury that nearly ended his career, revealing that severe nerve damage continues to affect his daily life four years later.
The 26-year-old forward, instantly recognizable by his signature black protective mask, disclosed that the accessory is far more than a trademark or a superstition it remains a medical necessity due to the lasting effects of the trauma.
“The Left Side Doesn’t Function”
Speaking candidly about his recovery, Osimhen admitted that he has lost significant function in his jaw. The nerve damage sustained during the incident has permanently altered how he eats and smiles.
“Now, I only eat on the right side of my face,” Osimhen revealed. “I can’t eat through the other side. The left side doesn’t function properly anymore.”
He described the daily reminders of the injury, noting that food falls out of his mouth if he attempts to chew on the left side.
Furthermore, he shared a heartbreaking detail about his expressions: “When I smile, only one side of my mouth moves fully. I still feel numbness and sometimes pain.”
The Crash That Shattered Bone
The life-changing injury occurred in November 2021 during a high-stakes Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan. Osimhen was involved in a sickening head-to-head collision with defender Milan Škriniar.
Recalling the moment, the striker described the impact as accidental but devastating. “A cross came in from the wing. I went up for the header, and he pulled his head back. It wasn’t intentional, but I hit his skull with my chin and the bone shattered everywhere.”
18 Screws and a Titanium Plate
The medical aftermath was grueling. Osimhen suffered multiple fractures to his cheekbone and eye socket. At the time, medical experts feared he might lose vision in his left eye.
To reconstruct his face, surgeons utilized 18 screws and a titanium plate. Osimhen admitted that he initially resisted the procedure out of fear.
“The doctor said, ‘You need surgery.’ I refused at first—‘There’s no way I’m having surgery.’ But it was the only way to continue playing football. I had no choice,” he stated.
Lethal Despite the Pain
Despite the lingering numbness and physical limitations, Osimhen has not let the trauma slow him down on the pitch. Since his loan move to Galatasaray from Napoli, he has been in blistering form, recording 12 goals and five assists in just 15 appearances across all competitions this season.
The mask, originally prescribed for post-surgical protection, has become a permanent fixture of his kit, symbolizing both his resilience and the hidden battles he fights every time he steps onto the field.
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
