- Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen revealed the ongoing, severe impact of the 2021 facial injury that fractured his cheekbone and eye socket, explaining that nerve damage still affects his daily life.
- He stated that he can now only eat on the right side of his face because the left side is no longer functioning properly.
- Osimhen, who still feels numbness and pain, confirmed that the reconstructive surgery, involving $18$ screws and a titanium plate, was necessary to continue his football career.
Super Eagles and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has opened up about the severe and lasting effects of the facial injury he sustained in 2021, explaining why he continues to wear a protective mask four years later.
In an interview with the Turkish outlet Fanatik, the 26-year-old star revealed that nerve damage from the collision still severely limits his facial movement and affects a basic function like eating.
He told the outlet:
“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.”
Osimhen sustained the gruesome injury in November 2021 during a Serie A match after colliding with Milan Škriniar. The injury involved multiple facial fractures, including a broken cheekbone and eye socket, requiring $18 screws and a titanium plate during reconstructive surgery.
“A cross came in from the wing. I went up for the header, and he pulled his head back. It wasn’t intentional, but I hit his skull with my chin and the bone shattered everywhere.”
Despite recovering and continuing his career, he confirmed the daily reality of the injury:
“I still feel numbness and sometimes pain. 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.”
