Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has shared the painful story behind the protective mask he has become known for, admitting that the jaw injury he suffered years ago left permanent physical changes he still lives with today.

Speaking candidly, the Napoli striker recalled the terrifying moment a routine aerial duel turned into a life-altering collision.

“I felt the bones crack instantly” — Osimhen

According to Osimhen, the incident happened in a split second when he and an opposing player went up for the ball.

“He wasn’t trying to hurt me, but his head came back at the wrong angle,” Osimhen explained. “My jaw smashed into his skull. Immediately I knew something was wrong — the bones cracked in different places.”

He was rushed to a hospital in Milan, where specialists conducted extensive scans. Their conclusion was blunt: he required immediate reconstructive surgery.

A surgery he didn’t want — but couldn’t avoid

Osimhen admitted he initially refused the idea of being operated on.

“I told the doctor I don’t do surgery. I was scared they would tear open my face,” he said.

But the medical team made it clear — without surgical repair, his career might be over.

The forward was forced to agree, and the procedure was carried out through the inside of his mouth to avoid external scarring. Even so, the damage was significant.

A lifetime change: “I can only chew on one side now”

The surgery involved inserting metal implants to hold his facial structure together.

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“There’s a metal line from my jaw all the way to my cheekbone,” he revealed. “Because of that, I can only eat from one side of my mouth — and that’s for life.”

This reconstruction is the reason Osimhen must wear the now-iconic protective face mask whenever he steps onto the pitch.

Fans React

Football lovers took to social media to respond to his revelation:

@Fillipo_Saga: “We see the star, but not the struggle. Respect to Osimhen.”

@Mr_Allegedly: “This man plays through pain most of us could never endure. Legend already.”

@Farmbook00: “Every success story has a price. People suffer in silence.”

@crypto_psalm: “Football no be beans. These injuries dey fear person.”

Osimhen’s story has sparked renewed admiration for the Nigerian star, whose grit, resilience, and determination continue to inspire fans around the world.