Victor Osimhen, known for his impressive performances at Napoli, has allegedly misplaced his signature face mask during his international commitments.
Victor Osimhen’s Missing Mask Amidst International Duty
The 24-year-old forward, who has scored 25 goals for the top-ranking Serie A team this season, has been participating in consecutive Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches with Guinea-Bissau as part of Nigeria’s national team. He recently returned to Italy, ready for domestic football to resume, but a crucial item appears to be missing from his luggage.
As reported by Calciomercato, Osimhen‘s renowned mask, which he has worn since sustaining a severe injury in November 2021, has vanished. The sought-after striker needs this protective gear due to multiple compound fractures he suffered in his eye socket and cheekbone.
Mask’s Role in Osimhen’s Football Journey
Victor Osimhen first sported his mask in January 2022 and has since been seen removing it in celebration after scoring for Napoli. This distinctive feature has inspired various tribute products, including cakes and Easter eggs.
The orthopedic team responsible for creating Osimhen’s masks is currently designing a replacement. However, it is unlikely to be completed before Napoli’s match against AC Milan on Sunday. Consequently, Osimhen may need to rely on an older version for the time being. Some superstitious fans worry that the forward, who is rumored to be considering a high-profile transfer to England, might lose some of his abilities without his lucky accessory.
Victor Osimhen’s Remarkable Past Performances
Victor Osimhen’s football journey began in Nigeria, where he played for the Ultimate Strikers Academy. His talent was evident early on, and it didn’t take long for him to catch the eye of international scouts. In 2015, Osimhen represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he shone brightly. He scored an impressive 10 goals, securing the tournament’s Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards. His performances at the event attracted the attention of numerous European clubs.
From Nigeria to Germany: Wolfsburg Signing
In January 2016, Osimhen agreed to a pre-contract with Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, officially joining the club in January 2017. However, his time in Germany was marred by injuries, limiting his appearances and goal-scoring opportunities. Despite the challenges, Osimhen showed flashes of brilliance and his immense potential.
Reviving His Career: Charleroi Loan and Lille Move
In 2018, Osimhen was loaned to Belgian side Sporting Charleroi to revitalize his career. His time in Belgium proved fruitful, as he scored 20 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions. Osimhen’s resurgence attracted Lille OSC, who signed the Nigerian striker in August 2019. At Lille, Osimhen continued to impress, notching 18 goals and six assists in his debut season, earning him the Ligue 1 African Player of the Year award.
Serie A Stardom: Napoli Transfer
In August 2020, Osimhen transferred to Serie A giants Napoli for a club-record fee. He quickly adapted to Italian football, scoring important goals for Napoli and becoming a fan favorite. During the 2020-2021 season, Osimhen scored 10 goals in 24 appearances despite facing injury setbacks.
In the following season, Osimhen truly flourished, netting 25 goals for Napoli and leading them to the top of Serie A. His incredible performances caught the attention of major European clubs, including Manchester United.
International Stage: Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria Career
Osimhen’s success on the international stage was not limited to his U-17 exploits. Since making his senior national team debut in 2017, he played a crucial role in Nigeria’s attack. Osimhen participated in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished third, and took part in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches.
A Bright Star in Football’s Firmament
Victor Osimhen’s past performances showcased his incredible talent and determination to succeed at the highest level. Overcoming injuries and setbacks, he emerged as one of football’s brightest stars. His journey from Nigeria to Europe and the international stage served as a testament to his undeniable skill and the promise of an even more remarkable future.