Why does Napoli star Victor Osimhen wear a mask?

Victor Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer who now plays for Serie A club Napoli and the Nigeria national team. He is regarded as one of the top strikers in the world because of his outstanding finishing skills, strength, and electrifying pace.

Osimhen began his professional career in Germany in 2017 with VfL Wolfsburg. After a season and a half with the club, he moved on loan to Belgian side Charleroi in the 2018-19 season before joining Lille in France. Victor Osimhen joined the Serie A team Napoli in 2020 for a club-record cost of €70 million. In the 2021-22 season, he was named the 'Serie A Best Young Player,' scoring 14 goals in 27 games.

Victor Osimhen had received the Golden Boot at Nigeria's 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup victory. In June 2017, he earned his senior international debut and competed in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He is now the Nigerian national team's 10th-all-time leading scorer with 15 goals in 23 games.

The Napoli striker scored 18 goals across competitions last season and has scored 26 this season, attracting attention from Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United.

Napoli are also top of the Serie A table with a 16-point difference with seven games remaining. They will most probably win their first title in 33 years thanks to Victor Osimhen's exploits.

Why does Victor Osimhen wear a mask?

SSC Napoli v FC Internazionale - Serie A

Victor Osimhen began his football career at the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. After getting noted for his efforts at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Osimhen signed a pre-contract with VfL Wolfsburg in January 2016, with the understanding that he would formally join the club in January 2017.

Osimhen, 23, shattered his eye socket during Napoli's 3-2 defeat against Inter Milan in November 2021. It was one of several facial fractures he sustained after colliding with Milan Skriniar at San Siro. Following the horrific incident, he had 18 metal screws and six plaques placed to fix his facial features.

Osimhen played in Napoli's 2-0 win against Bologna in Serie A in January 2022, wearing a carbon fiber mask. He initially found the mask annoying but has grown accustomed to it. The Nigerian wore the mask again during the 2022-23 season, during a 4-1 victory in the Champions League group stage over Liverpool.

The question then comes to mind whether he has completely healed or not. But this is where things get interesting. According to Napoli team doctor Roberto Ruggiero, his eye injuries have healed for some time. He said (via GOAL):

"Osimhen is perfectly healed, he’s still wearing the protective mask because it gives him a sense of security, but he’s healed.” He has his own balance and wants to wear it. Hopefully, this mask will be enough until he feels safe and takes it off. Not before then.

"I have still seen for a check, but as soon as he returns, we will have intense work to do.”

The Nigerian star continues to wear a mask because it gives him a sense of security. Napoli fans won't argue about it as long as he remains lethal in front of goal and keeps winning titles for them.