Nigeria Striker Victor Osimhen Continues to Brave Through Facial Injury with Protective Mask in Africa Cup of Nations Final

Nigeria‘s star forward Victor Osimhen showcased resilience in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast, sporting a protective mask to shield a lingering facial injury. The Napoli striker, a key figure in the Super Eagles lineup, has been a standout performer with a goal and an assist in the tournament thus far.

The high-stakes final clash saw Ivory Coast navigating managerial changes after Jean-Louis Gasset‘s departure post a lackluster group stage performance. Osimhen’s distinct appearance with the protective mask garnered attention, serving as a reminder of his previous facial injury ordeal that unfolded during a Napoli match in November 2021.

Amid speculation regarding his mask, Napoli’s chief medical officer, Roberto Ruggiero, clarified that Osimhen’s choice to continue wearing it stems from personal comfort, providing a sense of security despite having fully recovered from the injury. Dr. Ruggiero cited Osimhen’s preference and balance as driving factors behind the ongoing use of the mask.

In a recent interview, Osimhen acknowledged that due to the presence of screws in his face necessitated by the injury, he anticipates wearing the mask throughout his career for safety reasons. The striker highlighted an incident during a recent match against Cagliari where despite donning the mask, he faced bloodshed on impact, illustrating the continued vulnerability without it.

Osimhen’s determination to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa despite battling abdominal discomfort underscores his unwavering commitment to the Nigerian national team. Cleared for the final, the 25-year-old contributed to Nigeria’s lead in the first half with former Watford defender William Troost-Ekong finding the net.