Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has opened up about the
life-threatening facial injury he suffered during a 2021 Serie A clash between
Napoli and Inter Milan.
Speaking in a recent interview with Nigerian media
personality Daddy Freeze, Osimhen recalled the brutal collision at the San
Siro.
“It was a game against Inter Milan in San Siro,” he said.
“My teammates crossed the ball, so I wanted to head the ball and the guy was
bringing his own head and hit my face. All the bones on my face were broken.”
The clash with Inter defender Milan Škriniar left Osimhen
with multiple fractures to his cheekbone and eye socket, requiring immediate
surgery.
The striker described losing consciousness momentarily after
the impact.
“I was seeing blank until their goalkeeper touched me — that
was when I knew I was alive. It was a near-death injury.”
He continued: “After about ten minutes on the floor, I stood
and was taken directly to the hospital.”
Initially unaware of the extent of the damage, Osimhen
resisted surgery.
“I asked our team doctor when I would play again. I never
knew the injury was that bad. Then, they did an X-ray… The doctor came and said
I had to do surgery, as quickly as possible. I said I am not doing surgery. I
cannot allow you to cut my face. He said no, they will go through my jaw and I
cannot eat there for the rest of my life.”
To protect his face post-surgery, doctors recommended the
use of a mask — which Osimhen still wears today.
“It was recommended and the doctor said, left for him he
will keep on wearing it (the mask) till he’s done.
So I asked him what’s the risk and he said, ‘if you get the
same hit again, you’re done.'”
Reflecting on the gravity of the incident, Osimhen admitted,
“There are worst injuries in football but I could have lost my eyes. That’s the
reason why I put on the mask, so I can jump and head.”
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com