Why Victor Osimhen Still Wears Face Mask

Long after a head injury was treated and he was cleared to play, the Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen continues to wear a mask.

Napoli doctor Roberto Ruggiero has explained why Napoli forward Victor Osimhen still wears a protective mask over a year after recovering from a head injury.

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The Nigeria international sustained an eye socket injury during a Serie A match against Inter on November 22, 2021.

The injury forced Osimhen to undergo surgery and he was sidelined for three months as a result of the facial problem.

Osimhem returned to action on January 17, 2022 and has been sporting a protective face mask ever since.

“Osimhen is perfectly healed, he’s still wearing the protective mask because it gives him a sense of security, but he’s healed,” Ruggiero told Radio Marte late last season.

“He has his own balance and wants to wear it. Hopefully this mask will be enough until he feels safe and takes it off. Not before then. I have still seen for a check, but as soon as he returns, we will have intense work to do.”

Osimhen made 32 appearances overall for Napoli in 2021–22 despite the injury, scoring 18 goals across all competitions.

This season, he has increased that number as he has guided Napoli to the Champions League quarterfinals and the top slot in Serie A with a succession of standout performances.

The prolific attacker has already surpassed his goal total from last season and is the favorite to win the prestigious Serie A Capocanonniere trophy. Lautaro Martinez of Inter is far behind him in the race.