Nigeria star Victor Osimhen reflects on lasting impact of jaw injury

Nigeria international Victor Osimhen has opened up on long-term effects of the severe facial injury he suffered while in action for Napoli.

Osimhen, who currently plies his trade for Galatasaray sustained a horrific jaw injury following a collision with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar back in 2021, leaving him concussed and briefly unconscious.

The enterprising attacker picked up multiple facial fractures, including a broken jaw and near damage to his eye.

Osimhen underwent major surgery, with six plates and eighteen screws implanted, describing it as a near-death injury.

“I fractured many bones … I went through a lot.” Osimhen said the pain left him with “a lot of sleepless nights” and difficulty eating, but he fought through it, saying, “I am a lion.”

Since then, the 26-year-old striker has been required to wear a protective mask during matchdays.

“Now, I only eat on the right side of my face … There are several pieces of metal on that side … so I can’t risk it” he told MMA champion Kerim Engizek.

Despite the challenges, Osimhen remains a top performer for club and country, with 41 of his 191 career goals scored with his head.