Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles and Galatasaray forward, has opened up about the lasting impact of a severe facial injury he sustained in 2021, which has left him with nerve damage and persistent numbness
In an interview, Osimhen revealed that the injury, which required 18 screws and a titanium plate during reconstructive surgery, still affects his ability to eat and causes limited movement on the left side of his face.
Osimhen suffered multiple facial fractures, including a broken cheekbone and eye socket, after a collision with Milan Škriniar during a Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan.
Despite the challenges, Osimhen has continued to excel on the pitch, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 15 appearances this season. The protective mask he wears is a reminder of the lasting effects of the injury, which initially threatened to end his career and even his eyesight.
He said: “A cross came in from the wing. I went up for the header, and he pulled his head back. It wasn’t intentional, but I hit his skull with my chin and the bone shattered everywhere.
“They took me to a hospital in Milan. First, they checked with X-ray, then they ordered an MRI. The doctor said, ‘You need surgery.’ I refused at first — ‘There’s no way I’m having surgery.’ But it was the only way to continue playing football. I had no choice.”
He added, “I still feel numbness and sometimes pain. When I smile, only one side of my mouth moves fully. Eating is the biggest daily reminder; food falls out if I try to use the left side.”
“Now, I only eat on the right side of my face,” he said. “I can’t eat through the other side. The left side doesn’t function properly anymore.”
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