Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles striker who just made his eagerly awaited debut for Galatasaray, may not be able to wear his face mask during games in Turkey, according to reports from Turkish media.
Osimhen’s mask has become a source of controversy after an incident during the game, even though he provided a critical assist in Galatasaray’s 4-1 victory over Çaykur Rizespor.
Khusniddin Alikulov of Çaykur Rizespor suffered a concussion after taking a head-on collision with Osimhen.
Although initial fears of a facial fracture were unfounded, the injury has sparked a debate on whether Osimhen’s mask, which includes metal fasteners, poses a risk to opponents.
In a November 2021 encounter with Inter Milan, the on-loan Napoli man suffered a significant injury after a head-to-head clash with defender Milan Skriniar. The injury required surgery, during which six plates and 18 screws were inserted into his face, sidelining the Nigerian striker for three months.
Osimhen fractured his eye socket and cheekbone in Napoli’s loss to Inter Milan last November, requiring surgery, which, according to the doctor, who operated on the 22-year-old, required ‘‘six plaques and 18 screws’’ to repair the ‘‘devastating’’ damage.
And in February 2022, the club surgeon, Gianpaolo Tartaro, gave the update on the then 22-year-old Osimhen, saying he had recommended a new but smaller protective mask for the striker.
The mask has drawn scrutiny from Turkish football circles concerned about its safety implications.
