Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has opened up about the long-term impact of his jaw injury, revealing that the damage was so severe it permanently changed how he eats and forced him into wearing a protective face mask.
The football star explained that the injury happened during a clash of heads, describing the moment he struck another player’s skull and immediately felt the bones in his jaw crack.
“My bone in the jaw was cracked everywhere”
In his words:
“He was bringing his head behind—not on purpose—you know. So I hit my jaw on his head. Immediately, my bone in the jaw was cracked everywhere. Then I went hospital in Milan.”
Osimhen said doctors ran multiple scans before concluding he needed surgery, a decision he initially resisted.
“When the doctor checked, he said I needed surgery. I said no, I don’t do surgery. I didn’t want to do it because they were going to tear my face. But the doctor said the only way I could continue playing football was surgery.”
He revealed that the second option involved going in through his mouth and stitching from the inside, a procedure that still left lasting effects.
“Now, I can only eat here for the rest of my life. There’s an iron from my jaw up to my cheekbone.”
He added that the metal implant and reconstruction are the reasons he must wear a protective mask whenever he plays.
Social media reactions:
@Fillipo_Saga: “We only see the greatness, not the stories and tribulations behind it.”
@Mr_Allegedly: “See extent when person dey go for passion. Osimhen is a hero. We love you. Even with all this, he make great sacrifices.”
@Farmbook00: “Omoh, there’s always a price to pay! Before you talk down on anyone, understand what they go through.”
@crypto_psalm: “Omo football no easy o. These injuries dey mad.“