Why is Osimhen still wearing the mask? History and injury

The injury on November 21, 2021, significantly impacted the Nigerian striker's career, forcing him to a lengthy layoff. It was precisely on that occasion that Osimhen had to wear the mask that has now, in part, made him famous. Initially intended only for the first few weeks after the operation, it has now become a veritable signature.

The obligation to wear it has long since ceased, but the footballer insists: he absolutely does not want to take it off, it is part of his ritual on the pitch.

What kind of injury did he have and in which game?

November 21 , 2021 marked the beginning of it all. During the match between Napoli and Inter , Osimhen stood out for a particularly tough mid-air clash with Nerazzurri defender Milan Skriniar.

The back of the Slovakian defender's head struck the Nigerian striker's cheekbone , causing him to fall to the ground in intense pain. As soon as he stood up on his own, television footage showed an unusual swelling on his face.

The surgery: what happened?

Immediate examinations revealed numerous bone fractures in the area of ​​his left eye. A three-and-a-half-hour operation was required , with three incisions, six plates, and 18 screws just to close the fractures. The prognosis was 90 days.

Due to this incident, Osimhen was forced to withdraw from the Africa Cup of Nations and has since then always worn a protective mask on his face.

Why doesn't Osimhen want to take off the mask?

The reason is mostly symbolic: the trauma caused by that injury is still fresh in the player's memory, who was also forced to miss the Africa Cup of Nations because of it.

And we are talking about a player who, in the course of his career, has never expressed any fear in flying clashes, whether they were in the penalty area or not.

What was the first Osimhen mask for

The first mask worn by the striker was decidedly different from the one he wore in the 2022/2023 season.

In fact, it had to cover the player's entire face as he was severely damaged by the impact, to the point that, as already mentioned, it took 3 and a half hours of surgery and 90 days of prognosis to simply get him back on his feet.

The second Osimhen mask: how it is made and what it is used for

The second mask is smaller , has a more protective purpose, and covers only part of the face, unlike the first. It was a decidedly unexpected mask on the first day of training camp in Dimaro, when the striker showed up wearing it, given that everyone assumed he would never use it again.

Victor Osimhen's mask is made of a flexible, breathable plastic material . It's designed to protect the player's face and nose from injuries and bruises. The mask has an aerodynamic shape that helps reduce air resistance while running. It also has a clear visor that protects the player's eyes from impacts and splashes.

The mask was designed by a team of engineers and doctors specializing in sports equipment. It has been laboratory tested to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

We delivered the new carbon goggles to Viktor Osimhen; they're much more comfortable and lighter. Custom-made for his face, they'll give him a better view.

- Orthopedics Ruggero

How long Osimhen will wear the mask

Since it is a medical device that the player can already remove, there is no real expiration date for its use, but based on what the striker stated, we will see the mask throughout the 2023/2024 season.

The mask now almost has the function of an amulet , the attacker will most likely feel safer after the enormous psychological trauma he has suffered.

The mask, symbol of Naples

On May 4, 2023, Napoli mathematically won the Scudetto . The city celebrated a joy it had been waiting for 33 years, and as its greatest symbol , besides Maradona, we also have it: Osimhen's mask. Even before the victory, we could see it on prints, T-shirts, and even sweets.

After his historic play, it was Osimhen himself , his medical device, who scored the equalizing goal (away, in the 52nd minute against Udinese), which gave the team the points they needed to remain untouchable in the standings.

Today, the mask, even more so, has become an object that truly represents this season's unforgettable Naples.