Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles striker, has ignited a debate over the use of his protective face mask following his debut for Galatasaray in Turkey.
Despite contributing an assist in the team’s 4-1 victory over Çaykur Rizespor, concerns have emerged after an incident in the match where Rizespor’s Khusniddin Alikulov sustained a concussion from a collision with Osimhen.
Initial fears of a facial fracture for Alikulov proved unfounded, but the incident has raised questions about the safety implications of Osimhen’s mask, which incorporates metal fasteners. Critics argue that this design could pose a danger to opponents on the field.
Osimhen’s mask has come under scrutiny, especially given his injury history. In November 2021, he suffered a severe facial injury in a head-to-head clash with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, which required surgery and the insertion of six plates and 18 screws. Following this, Napoli’s club surgeon recommended a smaller protective mask for the striker.
The Turkish football community is now debating whether authorities should impose restrictions on Osimhen’s mask. Former referee Fırat Aydınus commented on the situation, stating that referees must ensure that any accessories worn by players do not endanger others. He emphasized that if the mask is deemed harmful, referees have the authority to prohibit its use.
In a recent post, a Turkish social media user remarked on the incident, claiming that Alikulov’s injury was due to Osimhen’s metal mask, questioning the safety of such equipment during matches. The Turkish media has also picked up on this issue, with discussions around whether Osimhen will face restrictions on wearing the mask in future games.
Despite these controversies, Osimhen’s performance has been impressive. He netted 33 goals during the 2022/23 season, helping Napoli clinch the Serie A title, and has continued his scoring streak with 17 goals across all competitions in the current season.
As Osimhen prepares to lead Galatasaray against José Mourinho’s team, the focus remains on his on-field contributions amid ongoing discussions about player safety and equipment regulations.
