Victor Osimhen, has uncovered the effect of the facial injury he sustained in 2021 while playing for Napoli, explaining why he continues to wear a protective mask four years after the incident.
In his recent interview session with MMA champion Kerim Engizek, the 26-year-old said that nerve damage from the injury still affects his ability to eat.
The Galatasaray forward said; “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.”
The Nigerian international sensational forward sustained the injury in November 2021 during a Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan after a collision with Milan Škriniar.
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The ‘Lion striker’ was left with multiple facial fractures, including a broken cheekbone and eye socket, and he required 18 screws and a titanium plate during reconstructive surgery.
Initial reports from the doctors was scary as he was told he could lose vision in his left eye. Despite the report, he recovered, Osimhen said he continues to experience numbness and limited movement on the left side of his face.
Talking about the incident, the former SC Napoli striker said, “A cross came in from the wing. I went up for the header, and he pulled his head back. He said that it wasn’t intentional, but he hit his skull with my chin and the bone shattered everywhere.
“The team management rushed him 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, “sometimes I feel pains, and of course I still feel numbness. 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.”
