Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has spoken candidly about the severe facial injury he sustained during a 2021 Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan.
The striker suffered a brutal collision with Inter defender Milan Škriniar, resulting in multiple fractures to his cheekbone and eye socket.
In a recent interview with Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze, Osimhen recalled the terrifying moment when his face was hit by Škriniar’s head.
“All the bones on my face were broken,” he said, describing the incident. “I was seeing blank until their goalkeeper touched me — that was when I knew I was alive. It was a near-death injury.”
The injury was so severe that Osimhen lost consciousness momentarily and required immediate surgery.
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“After about ten minutes on the floor, I stood and was taken directly to the hospital,” he added. Initially, Osimhen was unaware of the extent of the damage and resisted surgery.
However, after an X-ray revealed the severity of the injury, he was convinced to undergo the procedure.
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.
Victor Osimhen in action for Turkish giants Galatasaray
“So I asked him what’s the risk and he said, ‘if you get the same hit again, you’re done.'”
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Reflecting on the gravity of the incident, Osimhen admitted that while there are worse injuries in football, he could have lost his eyes. “That’s the reason why I put on the mask, so I can jump and head,” he said.
The mask has become a familiar sight for Osimhen’s fans, and he continues to wear it as a precautionary measure to protect his face.
The incident has left a lasting impact on Osimhen, and he is grateful to have made a full recovery. Despite the severity of the injury, he has continued to play football at the highest level, inspiring fans with his determination and resilience.
