A Scarred Superstar: Victor Osimhen Reveals He Can Only Eat with the Right Side of His Mouth Following Career-Threatening Injury

Napoli and Nigerian national team star Victor Osimhen has revealed the long-term, permanent impact of a gruesome facial injury sustained two years ago, stating he can now only eat using the right side of his mouth for the rest of his life.

The shocking revelation underscores the severe and lasting consequences of the collision that put his incredible career—and health—at risk.

The Injury That Changed Everything
The career-threatening incident occurred in November 2021 during an Italian Serie A match against Inter Milan.

Osimhen suffered a horrifying clash of heads with defender Milan Škriniar.
The injury was catastrophic, requiring immediate and extensive surgery. The initial medical report detailed multiple fractures, including:

• Fractures to the orbit (the bone around the eye).
• Fractures to the cheekbone (zygomatic bone).
  The surgery to repair the damage was lengthy and complex, requiring the insertion of multiple metal plates and screws—reportedly 18 of them—to reconstruct his face and eye socket.

The Permanent Impact on Daily Life
While the world celebrated Osimhen’s return to the pitch, few realized the permanent price he paid.

His recent statement sheds light on the reality of living with such a severe injury:

“I had a massive surgery. The doctors did an amazing job. I have metal plates and screws in my face. It has a permanent effect on me; I can only eat with the right side of my mouth for the rest of my life.”

This detail paints a vivid picture of the sheer scale of the bone damage and the delicate recovery process required to stabilize the structure of his jaw and face.

The injury didn’t just sideline him; it fundamentally altered a basic, necessary function.

Return, Resilience, and Record-Breaking Form

Despite this lasting physical limitation, Osimhen’s resilience has been nothing short of extraordinary. After his recovery, he returned to the field wearing a protective face mask, which has now become his iconic on-field look.

His form since the injury has been phenomenal, establishing him as one of the most dominant strikers in world football:

• He led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years in the 2022-2023 season.
• He was crowned the African Footballer of the Year in 2023.
• He continues to be the talisman for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Osimhen’s journey is a powerful testament to his mental fortitude. The fact that he can deliver world-class performances while dealing with a permanent physical alteration is a true mark of a champion.

His career is not just about goals and titles, but about overcoming extreme adversity.

What does Osimhen’s revelation say about the mental and physical demands on elite athletes?