Osimhen’s mask sparks debate after injury incident in Turkey debut
According to Turkish media reports, Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles striker who recently made his highly anticipated Galatasaray debut, may face restrictions on wearing his protective face mask during matches in Turkey.Despite his crucial assist in Galatasaray's 4-1 win over Çaykur Rizespor, Osimhen's mask has become a point of contention due to an incident during the game.
Khusniddin Alikulov of Çaykur Rizespor suffered a concussion after colliding head-on with Osimhen.
Although initial fears of a facial fracture were unfounded, the injury has sparked debate about whether Osimhen's mask, which contains metal fasteners, is dangerous to opponents.
In a November 2021 match against Inter Milan, the on-loan Napoli player sustained a serious injury after colliding with defender Milan Skriniar. The injury necessitated surgery, with six plates and 18 screws inserted into his face, sidelining the Nigerian striker for three months.
In Napoli's loss to Inter Milan last November, Osimhen fractured his eye socket and cheekbone, necessitating surgery that, according to the doctor who operated on the 22-year-old, required "six plaques and 18 screws" to repair the "devastating" damage.
In February 2022, club surgeon Gianpaolo Tartaro provided an update on the then-22-year-old Osimhen, stating that he had recommended a new, smaller protective mask for the striker.
Turkish football officials have expressed concern about the mask's safety implications.
Checks by Nigerianwatc on Thursday, however, revealed that no official report or decision had been made.
On September 15, Berkan shared a photo of a player injured by Osimhen's mask and wrote, "Osimhen'in suratındaki maske metalden oluştuğu Alikunov'un elmacık kemiği kırıldı." It's important to be aware of the consequences of your actions. Please contact @TFF_Org.
Google translated it as follows: "Alikunov's cheekbone was broken because Osimhen's mask was made of metal." A man almost died because someone planned to act like a clown. What are you doing? @TFF_Org"
Aslinda, Turkish media, weighed in with this week's report, titled "Is it forbidden for Galatasaray star Osimhen to wear a mask?" Fırat Aydınus elaborated.
Former referee Aydınus evaluated the position on TV 8.5.
"The Referee May Say You Can't Wear It"
Aydinus emphasised that referees should inspect football players' accessories, asking, "For example, did the material of that mask have an effect that would cause a concussion in Alikulov's position?" Referees should pay attention to equipment devices.
"That's why they definitely looked into it. It's light and soft tissue, but the bottom line is this. It has served as an emission in its favour in the current blow. Because, let me tell you something. If the accessory you wear endangers both your opponent's and your own health, the referee may instruct you not to wear it."
According to Afrikfoot, the Osimhen mask, which incorporates metal fasteners into its design, could be viewed as a threat to opponents.
In July 2022, Napoli doctor Roberto Ruggiero explained why Osimhen is still playing with a protective mask seven months after recovering from a head injury.
Since returning to action, Osimhen has worn a protective mask. Despite these obstacles, his accuracy in front of goal remains unwavering. He scored 33 goals in the 2022/23 season, leading Napoli to the Serie A title, and continued his prolific form with 17 goals in all competitions the following season.
The former Lille forward could lead Okan Buruk's team against Jose Mourinho's side. He had three goals in his previous six games against the Special One.
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