• Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen revealed the ongoing, severe impact of the 2021 facial injury that fractured his cheekbone and eye socket, explaining that nerve damage still affects his daily life.
• He stated that he can now only eat on the right side of his face because the left side is no longer functioning properly.
• Osimhen, who still feels numbness and pain, confirmed that the reconstructive surgery, involving $18$ screws and a titanium plate, was necessary to continue his football career.

Victor Osimhen, the celebrated forward for both the Super Eagles and Galatasaray, has candidly shared the ongoing challenges he faces due to a significant facial injury he suffered in 2021. This injury continues to impact his daily life, compelling him to wear a protective mask even now, four years later.

In a revealing conversation with Turkish publication Fanatik, the 26-year-old athlete discussed the nerve damage resulting from the injury, which has notably restricted his facial mobility and affected essential functions such as eating.

Osimhen explained: “Currently, I can only eat on the right side of my face. The left side doesn’t work as it should, so eating on that side is impossible.“

The injury occurred in a November 2021 Serie A game following a clash with Milan Škriniar. It left Osimhen with multiple facial fractures, including a broken cheekbone and eye socket. His recovery involved a complex surgical procedure that required the insertion of 18 screws and a titanium plate to reconstruct his face.

Osimhen sustained the gruesome injury in November 2021 during a Serie A match after colliding with Milan Škriniar. The injury involved multiple facial fractures, including a broken cheekbone and eye socket, requiring $18 screws and a titanium plate during reconstructive surgery.

“A cross came in from the wing. I went up for the header, and he pulled his head back. It wasn’t intentional, but I hit his skull with my chin and the bone shattered everywhere.”

Despite recovering and continuing his career, he confirmed the daily reality of the injury:
“I still feel numbness and sometimes pain. When I smile, only one side of my mouth moves fully. Eating is the biggest daily reminder; food falls out if I try to use the left side.”