Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that he will have to wear a protective mask when playing for the remainder of his football career due to safety concerns following a serious facial injury.
Osimhen sustained a significant facial injury following a clash of heads with Milan Skriniar during a Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan on November 21, 2021.
Since his return to the pitch after the injury, Osimhen has been consistently wearing a protective mask, which has become a distinctive feature and is gaining popularity among Azzurri fans.
In an interview with Brilla FM while on national duty with the Super Eagles at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, Osimhen explained the necessity of the mask for his safety during matches.
“I have to wear the mask for the rest of my career because I have screws that actually pass through my jaws and face. I still have them till now,” Osimhen stated.
He recounted a recent incident during a match against Cagliari where even with the mask on, he sustained a bloody face after a collision with the opposition’s goalkeeper.
“The last match I played against Cagliari — when I headed the ball, I had blood on my face, and the goalkeeper also hit my face, and there was blood even with the mask on. So it is really dangerous for me to play without using the mask, of course.”
