Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has shared harrowing details of the serious facial injury he sustained during a 2021 Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan, describing it as a near-death experience.
Speaking in an interview with Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze, Osimhen recounted the moment he collided with Inter defender Milan Škriniar while attempting a header at the San Siro.
“It was during a game against Inter Milan. I went to head the ball, and the other player came in with his head and smashed my face. All the bones in my face were broken,” he said.
The impact left Osimhen with multiple fractures to his cheekbone and eye socket, requiring emergency surgery. He briefly lost consciousness after the clash.
“I saw blank until the goalkeeper touched me that’s when I realized I was still alive. It felt like a near-death injury. After lying on the pitch for about ten minutes, they rushed me to the hospital.”
Initially unaware of how severe the damage was, Osimhen was reluctant to undergo surgery.
“I asked the team doctor when I could return to play. I didn’t realize how bad it was until they did an X-ray. The doctor said I needed urgent surgery. I said no, I didn’t want them cutting my face. He explained they’d go through my jaw, and I wouldn’t be able to eat normally for a long time.”
To protect his face after surgery, Osimhen was fitted with a protective mask one he still wears today.
“The doctor said, ‘If you get hit in that same spot again without protection, it could be career-ending.’ So, I continue to wear the mask so I can jump and head the ball with confidence.”
Reflecting on the incident, Osimhen added, “There are worse injuries in football, but I could have lost my eye. That’s why I still wear the mask to protect myself and keep playing.”
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