Why does Victor Osimhen wear a mask? Many have been asking as the Napoli No.9 enjoys a remarkable campaign in front of goal.
Ahead of tonight’s Champions League Round of 16 clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, the Nigeria international had scored 19 goals in just 23 appearances for the Italian giants this season.
The prolific marksman made it 20 for the campaign during the Round of 16 encounter with a 40th minute opener against the Bundesliga side.
As a result of his fine form, Osimhen’s mask has been getting a lot of coverage in front of the camera as he celebrates his goals, but why does the Napoli frontman wear it?
Let’s take a look…
Why does Osimhen wear a mask?
Well, the 24-year-old was initially required to wear a mask after suffering a horrific injury against Inter Milan back in November 2021.
Osimhen needed 18 metal screws and six plates inserted into his face following a collision with Milan Skriniar at the San Siro, which left the Napoli talisman with a fractured eye socket.
After missing nine games due to the injury, the Lagos-born striker returned to action wearing a black mask, and it certainly hasn’t affected his eyesight in front of goal.
In total, Osimhen has scored 48 goals in 86 appearances for Napoli.
Interestingly, the Nigerian no longer needs to wear the mask.
According to Napoli’s doctor, Roberto Ruggiero, Osimhen is now “perfectly healed” but continues to wear his carbon fibre mask because “it gives him a sense of security” – as he told Radio Marte.
That interview was back in July 2022, so the Napoli No.9 evidently still doesn’t feel comfortable entering the pitch without his mask, which is understandable given the horrific nature of his injury.
Presumably, the mask could also now be worn for superstitious reasons, as Osimhen has enjoyed a rich vein of goalscoring form while taking on the appearance of Batman.
With or without the mask, there is no denying that Napoli have one of the best strikers in Europe leading their attack.
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