Victor Osimhen of Napoli returned to Italy after serving with Nigeria on an international level without his facemask. This is as reported by the Italian news portal Calciomercato. After colliding with Milan Skriniar during an Inter versus Napoli game in November 2021, which resulted in multiple fractures to his left orbital and cheekbone, the 24-year-old, who has been in sensational form this season and is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, has been wearing the mask. Osimhen has scored 25 goals for Napoli this season to help the team win the Italian league and advance to their first-ever UEFA Champions League quarterfinal, where they will face AC Milan on Sunday.
After Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on March 27, the Eagles striker reportedly misplaced the mask while travelling back to Italy.
“The protective mask has evolved into a sort of superstitious artefact in addition to providing increased safety. The alarm has already been raised among Neapolitan fans after Osimhen misplaced it upon his return from Nigeria. this was when he realized he no longer had it. The orthopaedic team who created the mask will work to create a replacement in the interim and get it to the athlete as quickly as they can. Osimhen will have to play against Milan on Sunday with the old mask because it won’t be ready by then.
In addition to losing his mask, the former Lille star suffered a knock upon his return, leaving him out of Sunday’s AC Milan game and doubtful for this month’s Champions League quarterfinals.
cc: Headtopics
