Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen has shared disturbing details about his life-threatening facial injury suffered during a Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan in 2021, revealing he "didn't know I was alive until the goalkeeper touched me."
In a recent interview, the Super Eagles attacker recounted the horrifying collision with Inter Milan defender Milan Škriniar at San Siro that nearly ended both his career and his sight.
Devastating Facial Injuries
"All the bones on my face were broken," Osimhen explained, describing the severity of the impact that occurred as he attempted to head the ball. The collision resulted in severe fractures to his cheekbone and eye socket, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.
"I was looking blank until their goalkeeper touched me – that was when I knew I was alive. It was a near-death injury," the striker revealed, highlighting the gravity of the situation. "I never knew the injury was that bad."
Lifelong Consequences
Following the incident, Osimhen was sidelined for weeks while recovering from surgery. The medical team's assessment was sobering, as he explained: "Then, they did an X-ray, not even an MRI. The doctor came and said I had to do surgery, as quickly as possible."
The Nigerian forward continues to wear his now-trademark protective face mask during matches as a necessary precaution. "He said they will go through my jaw and I cannot hit there for the rest of my life," Osimhen recounted. "So I asked him what's the risk [of not wearing the masks] and he said, 'if you get the same hit again, you're done.'"
Despite the traumatic experience, Osimhen has continued his impressive career trajectory. However, his future club remains uncertain, with reported interest from several top European clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Juventus, and Galatasaray.
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