Osimhen: My 2021 Facial Injury Still Affects How I Eat

Victor Osimhen sustained a severe facial injury in 2021 during a Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan after a collision with Milan Škriniar.

The impact fractured multiple bones in his face, including a broken cheekbone and eye socket, which required major reconstructive surgery involving 18 screws and a titanium plate.

This injury caused significant nerve damage, and even now, it still affects his ability to eat properly—he can only chew food on the right side of his face because the left side does not function properly due to lasting numbness and partial paralysis.

Osimhen also continues to wear a protective mask to safeguard his reconstructed facial bones during play.

The incident was described by Osimhen as a near-death injury, with the collision causing intense pain and requiring urgent hospitalization and surgery.

Initially resistant to surgery because of the severity, he agreed after medical advice that it was the only way to continue his football career.

The complex surgery and recovery process included mental and physical challenges. Despite the lasting effects, he has maintained strong athletic form.

In summary, Osimhen’s 2021 facial injury has long-term effects, particularly nerve damage that impairs muscle function on the left side of his face, forcing him to adapt how he eats and necessitating continued use of a protective mask