Reports in the Turkish media suggest that striker Victor Osimhen could face a sanction on wearing his protective face mask during matches in Turkey.
The Super Eagles forward made his highly-anticipated Galatasaray debut last weekend in their commanding 4-1 victory over Çaykur Rizespor.
Although he did not find the back of the net, he contributed with a crucial assist and delivered an impressive performance, earning the admiration and praise of the Galatasaray faithful.
However, Osimhen who, following a facial injury, has become known for his distinctive mask, may now be required to play without it in Turkey following an ugly incident during the game.
Why the Victor Osimhen mask could be prohibited in Turkey
Reports from Turkey indicate that Çaykur Rizespor player Khusniddin Alikulov, who collided with Victor Osimhen during their match against Galatasaray, sustained a concussion.
While the initial rumour of a facial fracture has proven to be untrue, the severity of Alikulov's injury has sparked significant debate within Turkish football circles. Many are calling for officials to thoroughly inspect the 25-year-old's mask due to concerns that it could pose a risk not only to the Nigerian striker but also to his opponents.
The Osimhen mask, which incorporates metal fasteners in its design, could be considered as constituting a danger to opponents.
In a November 2021 encounter with Inter Milan, the on-loan Napoli man suffered a significant injury after a head-to-head clash with defender Milan Skriniar. The injury required surgery, during which six plates and 18 screws were inserted into his face, sidelining the Nigerian striker for three months.
Since returning to action, Osimhen has relied on a protective mask. Despite these challenges, his sharpness in front of goal remains undiminished. He netted 33 goals during the 2022/23 season, leading Napoli to the Serie A title, and continued his prolific form with 17 goals across all competitions in the following season.
