Super Eagles forward and Napoli star Victor Osimhen has opened up about the horrific facial injury that nearly ended his football career during a Serie A clash against Inter Milan in 2021.
In a recent interview with Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze, Osimhen shared the chilling details of the incident, describing it as a “near-death” experience that left him unconscious and in urgent need of surgery.
“It was a game against Inter Milan at San Siro,” Osimhen recalled. “My teammates crossed the ball, and I went up to head it. At the same time, the defender came in with his head and hit my face. All the bones on my face were broken.”
The brutal collision with Inter defender Milan Škriniar resulted in multiple fractures to Osimhen’s cheekbone and eye socket, forcing him to undergo immediate facial surgery. The Nigerian striker lost consciousness on the pitch and only regained awareness after a touch from Inter’s goalkeeper.
“I was seeing blank until their goalkeeper touched me — that was when I knew I was alive. It was a near-death injury,” he said.
Despite the severity of the injury, Osimhen initially resisted the idea of surgery.
“I asked the team doctor when I could play again. I didn’t realize how bad it was. They did an X-ray, and when the doctor came back, he said I had to undergo surgery immediately,” he explained. “I said I wasn’t doing surgery. I didn’t want them to cut my face. Then he told me they’d go through my jaw and that I wouldn’t be able to eat properly again.”
Post-surgery, Osimhen was advised to wear a protective face mask — a now-iconic accessory that has become a regular feature in his matches.
“It was recommended, and the doctor said, left to him, I should keep wearing it until I stop playing. I asked what the risk was, and he said, ‘If you get the same hit again, you’re done.’”
Looking back, Osimhen expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
“There are worse injuries in football, but I could have lost my eyes. That’s why I put on the mask — so I can jump and head the ball again,” he concluded.
The 2021 injury not only tested Osimhen’s resilience but also shaped his journey as one of Africa’s most tenacious football stars.
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