AN injury to the face of 23 years old Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, prevented him from representing his country at the 2021 AFCON tournament in Cameroon that took place earlier this year.
Osimhen scored 12 goals in 23 appearances for Napoli this season despite being derailed in November when he picked up a face injury that needed surgery.
“From the moment I had my surgery, I read some people saying ‘The season is over for him’,” Osimhen said as quoted by BBC Sport Africa. ‘When he comes back, he wouldn't go head-to-head with a defender'. 'Even with a mask, he cannot nod the ball' and stuff like that.
“Most of all those doubts are actually a motivation to me. Because I know myself and I know the kind of heart that I've got. To be able to be back and keep the goals coming is a big thing for me.
“I appreciate people that have worked so hard with me to make sure I'm okay even when I had the surgery and everything. They probably doubted me returning to my best because of the impact the facial incident could've had on my mental health.”
The player who now wears a protective mask on his face is now being targeted by Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United and could leave the Italian giant for a new adventure in England when the transfer window opens.
