- Victor Osimhen’s mask may be scrutinised after an incident in his Galatasaray debut
- Osimhen’s collision with Rizespor player Khusniddin Alikulov resulted in a facial fracture for the latter
- The Nigerian striker has worn the mask since suffering a severe facial injury in 2021
In a dramatic turn of events following Victor Osimhen’s much-anticipated debut for Galatasaray, the protective mask he’s worn since a severe facial injury in 2021 may now be facing scrutiny in Turkey.
The striker, known for his agility and power, delivered a stellar performance in his team’s 4-1 victory over Çaykur Rizespor, contributing an assist and displaying the kind of dynamism fans were eager to see.
But now, a collision during the game has sparked concerns, and Osimhen could be required to reconsider his mask as an essential part of his playing gear.
Osimhen has been a familiar sight in his custom-made face mask, donned after a serious head injury that required surgical intervention. The Nigerian forward had six plates and 18 screws inserted into his face following a clash with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar back in 2021. Since returning to action in early 2022, Osimhen has worn the mask for both protection and psychological comfort.
As Napoli doctor Roberto Ruggiero explained,
“Osimhen is perfectly healed, he's still wearing the protective mask because it gives him a sense of security,” however, recent developments may challenge that.
During the clash against Rizespor, Osimhen was involved in a collision with Çaykur Rizespor’s Khusniddin Alikulov. The impact left Alikulov with a facial bone fracture, an unfortunate injury that has raised eyebrows across Turkish football.
Some have raised concerns that the screws in Osimhen’s mask could pose a risk to both him and other players on the field. While the striker has relied on the mask for added confidence since his return to the pitch, its safety for others is now being questioned.
It is however left to the Turkish football authorities to decide if Osimhen should be allowed to continue wearing the mask, with some suggesting the design be evaluated more closely.
If the mask is found to be a hazard, Galatasaray may face a dilemma regarding how to ensure their star player continues to feel protected on the pitch without compromising the safety of others.
Osimhen’s protective mask has been a consistent feature of his post-injury career, but as tensions rise following Alikulov’s injury, questions linger about how this situation will be resolved. For Galatasaray, ensuring their new signing can perform at his best without the psychological shield of the mask could be a challenge.
Mikel Obi excites Chelsea fans with new claim about Victor Osimhen
Previously, TheRadar reported that former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has revealed the reasons behind Victor Osimhen’s missed transfer to Stamford Bridge, a move that had the potential to transform Chelsea’s attacking lineup.
Despite Romelu Lukaku's departure to Napoli opening a door for the Nigerian striker, the transfer did not go through, with Osimhen eventually making a switch to Galatasaray on loan.
However, as Mikel revealed on The Obi One Podcast, certain procedural hurdles, including paperwork and medical concerns, led to the deal’s failure.
