Osimhen’s mask sparks debate after injury incident in Turkey debut

Reports from Turkish media suggest that Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles striker who recently made his highly-anticipated Galatasaray debut, might face restrictions on wearing his protective face mask during matches in Turkey.

Despite contributing a crucial assist in Galatasaray’s 4-1 victory over Çaykur Rizespor, Osimhen’s mask has become a point of contention following an incident in the game.

Çaykur Rizespor’s Khusniddin Alikulov, who collided head-on with Osimhen, sustained a concussion.

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.

Checks by PUNCH Online on Thursday however revealed that no official report or decision has yet to be made.

Berkan via his account on September 15, #SaracogluFeneer sharing a player injured by Osimhen’s mask wrote, “Osimhen’in suratındaki maske metalden oluştuğu Alikunov’un elmacık kemiği kırıldı. Birileri soytarılık yapacak diye adam neredeyse ölecekti. Siz ne iş yaparsınız
@TFF_Org”

Google translated it to this, “Alikunov’s cheekbone was broken because the mask on Osimhen’s face was made of metal. A man almost died because someone was going to act like a clown. What do you do? @TFF_Org”

Turkish media, Aslinda, weighed into it in this week’s report, titled, “Is it forbidden for Galatasaray star Osimhen to wear a mask? Fırat Aydınus explained”

Meanwhile, former referee Aydınus evaluated the position in the programme on TV 8.5.

“The Referee May Say You Can’t Wear It”

Aydinus emphasised that the accessories worn by football players should be checked by referees, ”For example, did the material of that mask have an effect that would cause a concussion in Alikulov’s position? Referees should pay attention to the devices used in the equipment…

“That’s why they definitely checked it. It is light, soft tissue, but the bottom line is this. It has served as an emission in its favour in the existing blow. Because let me tell you something. If the accessory you wear harms both your opponent’s and your own health, the referee can tell you not to wear it.”

According to Afrikfoot, The Osimhen mask, which incorporates metal fasteners in its design, could be considered as constituting a danger to opponents.

In July 2022, Napoli doctor Roberto Ruggiero revealed why Osimhen still plays using a protective mask, seven months after recovering from a head injury.

Since returning to action, Osimhen has relied on a protective mask. Despite these challenges, his sharpness in front of goal remains undiminished. He netted 33 goals during the 2022/23 season, leading Napoli to the Serie A title, and continued his prolific form with 17 goals across all competitions in the following season.

The former Lille forward could lead the line for Okan Buruk’s side against Jose Mourinho’s side. He scored three goals in his previous six encounters against the Special One.