Tag: victor osimhen

Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, has been named GQ Sportsman of the Year in Turkey.

The former Napoli striker, 26, received the award at a black-tie ceremony held in Istanbul on Wednesday, December 10.

The accolade, organised by the Turkish edition of GQ Magazine, a leading international men’s fashion and lifestyle publication, recognises outstanding achievers across various fields, including sports, music, and film.

The Nigerian international was recognised for his contribution to Galatasaray’s domestic double last season, scoring 37 goals and providing seven assists in 41 appearances to help the club secure both the Super Lig and Turkish Cup titles.

Despite being slowed by injuries this season, Osimhen has continued his impressive form, netting 11 goals in 14 matches across all competitions.

Osimhen has registered 37 goals and seven assists across all competitions for the Yellow and Reds.

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Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey has praised Victor Osimhen as a “deadly” striker, noting that he is relieved his national teammate did not make a move to the English Premier League.

Bassey sees Osimhen at the same level as Manchester City goal machine, Erling Haaland.

Before settling for Turkish giants, Galatasaray, Osimhen was heavily linked with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

But none of the speculated moves could materialise and Bassey, who plays his football at Fulham, expressed mixed feelings about his international teammate’s move.

“He’s unbelievable. What he does for the country, what he’s done in the Champions League is amazing, a deadly striker,” Bassey said to Stadium Astro.

“It would have been good for him, but I’m happy I don’t have to play against him.”

Bassey confirmed that Osimhen is very much interested in moving to the Premier League.

Super Eagles and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has opened up about the lasting impact of the facial injury he sustained in 2021, explaining why he still wears a protective mask four years later.

In a video shared on X on Tuesday by user AsakyGRN, the 26-year-old told Turkish outlet Fanatik that nerve damage from the injury still affects his ability to eat.

“Now, I only eat on the right side of my face,” he said. “I can’t eat through the other side. The left side doesn’t function properly anymore.”

Osimhen sustained the injury in November 2021 during a Serie A match between Napoli and Inter Milan after a collision with Milan Škriniar.

He suffered multiple facial fractures, including a broken cheekbone and eye socket, and required 18 screws and a titanium plate during reconstructive surgery.

Doctors initially feared he could lose vision in his left eye. Although he recovered, he said he has continued to experience numbness, and limited movement on the left side of his face.

Recalling the incident, he said, “A cross came in from the wing. I went up for the header, and he pulled his head back. It wasn’t intentional, but I hit his skull with my chin and the bone shattered everywhere.

“They took me to a hospital in Milan. First, they checked with X-ray, then they ordered an MRI. The doctor said, ‘You need surgery.’ I refused at first — ‘There’s no way I’m having surgery.’ But it was the only way to continue playing football. I had no choice.”

He added, “I still feel numbness and sometimes pain. When I smile, only one side of my mouth moves fully. Eating is the biggest daily reminder; food falls out if I try to use the left side.”

Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 15 appearances across competitions this season.

The protective mask, originally prescribed after surgery, has remained part of his equipment due to the lasting effects of the injury.