Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has opened up about the severe facial inj¥ry that nearly ended his football career. Speaking with MMA champion Kerim Engizek, Osimhen revealed that he now eats exclusively on the right side of his mouth due to permanent metal implants in his jaw.
The inj¥ry occurred during Napoli’s 3–2 loss to Inter Milan at the San Siro, when Osimhen collided with Milan Skriniar while contesting a header. He briefly lost consciousness, and scans later confirmed multiple fractures on the left side of his face, including a br+ken jaw and dam+ge around his eye.
Doctors told him s¥rgery was the only way to continue playing professionally. The operation involved inserting several plates and eighteen screws to stabilize his jaw. Recovery was extremely pa+nful, with difficulties in eating and sleeping.
Recalling the incident, Osimhen said: “It happened in 2021 against Inter Milan. I hit my jaw on his head, and the bones on the left side of my face were cracked everywhere… The doctor told me surgery was the only way if I wanted to continue playing. Now, I only eat on the right side of my face for the rest of my life; the left side is held together by metal implants, so I can’t risk it.”
To protect his face, he continues to wear a safety mask during matches. Despite these permanent changes, Osimhen remains one of the most fearless forwards in world football, frequently challenging defenders in the air and scoring numerous goals from headers.
