Why I wear mask on the pitch – Victor Osimhen reveals

Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen, has opened up about the reason behind his signature protective face mask, revealing that an iron plate was inserted into his face following a serious injury.

Osimhen made the revelation during an interview with media personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, shedding light on the surgery that changed his life and his appearance on the football pitch.

Recalling the events that led to the operation, the football star said, “The doctor came and said, from what he saw, I have to do a surgery and I have to do it as quick as possible.”

Initially resistant to the idea, Osimhen said he was afraid the surgery would affect his appearance. “I told him I was not going to do any surgery. I can’t allow you to cut my face, me that I am managing this fine boy that I think I have, you can’t cut my face.”

According to Osimhen, the medical team assured him they would not cut directly through his face, but would go in through his jaw. Demonstrating the area during the interview at Daddy Freeze’s home, the football star explained, “He said, ‘No,’ they will go through my jaw, inside like this,” while pointing to the specific location.

The conversation took a light-hearted turn when Daddy Freeze asked if he could touch the affected area. Osimhen agreed, prompting the interview host to exclaim in shock, “Omo! Omo! Iron dey there ooo!”

The Nigerian international sustained multiple facial fractures during a clash in a Serie A match in 2021. He underwent successful surgery, after which titanium implants were used to stabilise the damaged bones, a procedure that necessitated his use of a protective mask during games.

Beyond his mask, Osimhen, who currently on loan from Serie A giants Napoli FC, remains one of Africa’s most celebrated football talents, known for his resilience, power, and unwavering determination on and off the field.