Nigerian star forward Victor Osimhen has given a deeply personal and painful account of the lasting physical toll from the severe facial fractures he suffered two years ago, revealing that the injury still affects his daily life and ability to eat.
Osimhen suffered multiple facial fractures, including a broken cheekbone and eye socket, after a head collision with Milan Škriniar during a Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan.
The True Cost of the Injury
The protective mask he wears is a constant reminder of the injury, which initially threatened to end his career and even his eyesight. Despite these challenges, Osimhen has continued to excel on the pitch, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 15 appearances this season.
The star described the chaotic moments leading up to the injury and the necessary, but difficult, choice to undergo surgery.
“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,” he recalled.
“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.”
Lasting Daily Impact
The forward revealed that the injury has left him with severe, permanent difficulties, which he faces daily:
“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.”
He added, “Now, I only eat on the right side of my face. I can’t eat through the other side. The left side doesn’t function properly anymore.”
Osimhen’s honesty highlights the incredible physical sacrifices and dedication required of professional athletes and provides a painful context to the celebrated resilience he shows on the pitch.
Source: Africa Publicity
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