Metal in My Face, Wounds in My Heart, Future Uncertain – Osimhen
By The9JaTREND
Nigeria and Galatasaray’s striker, Victor Osimhen is not just one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers – he is also one of the most multifarious symbols of human flexibility in modern sport. Behind the trademark protective mask he wears on the pitch lies a story of trauma, surgery, psychological endurance, and an uncertain future he’s only just begun to publicly confront.
In a revealing sit-down with Nigerian broadcaster Daddy Freeze in June 2025, Osimhen peeled back layers that had long fascinated fans and football analysts alike.
This feature explores the full extent of his revelations and why Osimhen’s story is not simply one of athletic excellence – but survival, identity, and the heavy price of success.
What he said: Victor Osimhen revealed that all the bones in his face were broken after a violent collision during a Serie A match against Inter Milan. He blacked out and only realized he was conscious when the goalkeeper touched him.
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What he said: He initially refused surgery, fearing it would change his face permanently. Doctors eventually operated through his jaw, inserting three titanium plates to hold his face together.
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What he said: Doctors told him he must always wear the face mask while playing – especially during headers. It is not for branding, but protection.
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What he said: He was warned that a repeat injury could cost him his eye. This fear affected his mental state and made recovery more difficult.
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What he said: As a child in Lagos, he washed gutters for ₦30 and sold sachet water on the street. Football became his only ticket out of hardship.
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What he said: He did not dwell on the details, but made it clear he was emotionally hurt during the final phase of his time at Napoli.
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What he said: While not stated directly in the interview, Osimhen went on to score 37 goals for Galatasaray in all competitions after leaving Napoli.
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What he said: He confirmed that many top clubs are interested in signing him and that playing in the Premier League is still a dream.
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What he said: He confirmed that he rejected offers from Saudi Arabia, despite being offered enormous weekly wages.
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What he said: He admitted that a lot of clubs want him but also seemed aware that his future remains complicated.
Breakdown Analysis: Osimhen’s June 2025 revelations go beyond football. He revealed what few elite players ever do – that behind every goal is a surgery, a scar, a silent fear, and a decision to keep going. His mask is not a fashion statement; it is survival. His story is not about reinvention – it is about resistance.
With metal in his face and doubt in the air, he continues to chase greatness. And whether he lands in London, Manchester, or remains in Istanbul, one thing is clear: Osimhen’s fight is not over – it’s just evolved. (Ngdailynews)
