Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has opened up about the terrifying facial injury he sustained during a 2021 Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan, describing it as a near-death experience
In an interview with Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze, Osimhen recalled the incident, which took place at the San Siro, saying the impact left him with multiple facial fractures.
“It was during a game against Inter Milan,” he said. “My teammate crossed the ball, and as I went up to head it, an opposing player also went for the ball — his head smashed into my face. All the bones in my face were broken.”
The collision with Inter defender Milan Škriniar caused severe damage to Osimhen’s cheekbone and eye socket, requiring urgent surgery. The striker briefly lost consciousness and said he only realized he was still alive when Inter’s goalkeeper touched him.
“I saw nothing. Everything went blank. It wasn’t until their goalkeeper touched me that I knew I was still alive,” Osimhen said. “It was a near-death injury.”
He was immediately rushed to the hospital after spending about ten minutes on the pitch.
Initially unaware of how serious the injury was, Osimhen said he resisted undergoing surgery.
“I asked our team doctor when I could play again. I didn’t know how bad it was,” he recalled. “Then they did an X-ray. The doctor told me surgery was necessary, and I said no—I didn’t want my face cut. He explained they would go through my jaw and that I wouldn’t be able to eat through it again.”
Following the surgery, Osimhen was fitted with a protective mask — one he continues to wear today for safety.
“The doctor said, if it were up to him, I would keep wearing the mask until I retire,” Osimhen said.
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