Osimhen Reveals Lasting Struggles From Career-Threatening Face Injury

According to Ireporter Online, Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has reflected on the severe facial injury he sustained during his time at Napoli, admitting that the lasting effects still influence his everyday life and professional career.

Osimhen, who joined the Italian club amid high expectations following his move from Lille, endured a difficult start due to recurring injuries. The most serious setback occurred during a league match against Inter Milan at the San Siro, where a violent clash with defender Milan Skriniar left him with major facial damage that required reconstructive surgery.

Medical examinations later confirmed multiple fractures, forcing specialists to insert plates and screws to stabilize the affected area. The recovery process kept him out for months and also ruled him out of Nigeria’s AFCON 2021 campaign. Reflecting on the period, Osimhen described it as one of the toughest challenges he has ever faced, noting the physical pain, sleepless nights and emotional strain that followed.

The 2023 CAF Player of the Year revealed that he still manages long-term effects of the injury. He now plays permanently with a protective mask and has to chew food on only one side of his mouth to avoid putting stress on the surgical implants.

In a discussion with MMA champion Kerim Engizek, Osimhen recounted how doctors initially urged him to undergo immediate surgery to prevent long-term complications and ensure he could continue his career. Although he was reluctant at first, he eventually agreed to a procedure that minimized visible scarring.

Despite these lingering limitations, Osimhen remains one of the most dominant forwards in world football. His aerial prowess continues to define his style, with 41 of his 191 career goals scored with his head. The striker says his resilience and mentality are what carried him through the ordeal and keep him performing at the highest level.