Victor Osimhen has relived full-extent of the terrifying moment that changed the course of his career, describing the facial injury he suffered in 2021 as a “near-death experience” during a conversation with MMA champion Kerim Engizek.
The Napoli forward, known globally for his trademark black protective mask, explained that the decision to keep wearing it stems not from superstition but from a life-threatening medical situation that doctors warned could have ended far worse.
Super Eagles striker recounts the terrifying injury that required six plates, 18 screws, and life-saving facial reconstruction.
“The bone fractured all over” – Osimhen
Osimhen described the collision that left his face shattered in multiple places during a Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan in November 2021.
The clash involved then-Inter defender Milan Škriniar, now of Fenerbahçe. He recalled the moment with chilling clarity:
“A ball came from the wing. I was trying to head the ball, and he snapped his head back. It wasn’t intentional, but I hit my jaw on his head, and the bone fractured all over.”
The immediate pain was severe, but the true danger only became clear after he was rushed to a hospital in Milan.
“Then I went to the hospital in Milan. The doctor first took an X-ray and then ordered an MRI.
He said, ‘You need surgery.’”
The striker admitted he initially refused the idea of going under the knife.
“At first, I objected, saying, ‘It’s impossible, I won’t have surgery.’ But it was the only way I could continue playing football. I had to have the surgery.”
The 2021 Collision That Nearly Cost Him His Career
Although the clash during the match seemed like a routine aerial duel looking harmless initially, subsequent medical examinations revealed extensive damage.
Scans revealed multiple displaced and comminuted fractures affecting his cheekbone, eye socket and surrounding areas.
Renowned facial surgeo,n Gianpaolo Tartaro, who led the operation, later revealed that the situation was far more dangerous than the public initially knew.
He confirmed that Osimhen’s fractures were so severe that they posed a life-threatening risk and could have damaged his vision permanently if not treated immediately.
The striker was rushed into emergency facial reconstruction surgery, during which doctors inserted six titanium plates and 18 screws to stabilize the shattered bones.
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A Painful Recovery and Birth of an Iconic Mask
The injury ruled Osimhen out for three months. When he eventually returned to action in January 2022, he was fitted with a custom-made black carbon-fibre protective mask to shield the reconstructed bones.
Although doctors later confirmed that the bones had healed, the Super Eagles star has continued to wear the mask.
The forward has explained that the sensitivity of the repaired areas means he risks serious damage if struck again, hence, making the mask remain essential.
The mask has since become a defining part of his image on the pitch, both a symbol of his survival and a reminder of the danger he overcame.
It became synonymous with him as he went on to deliver some of the best performances of his career.
A strong impact to the same area could cause serious damage, hence his insistence on continuing to wear it.
