Osimhen struggled in his first year at Napoli, but since he started wearing the mask, he has been sensational
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that the mask only protects him from injuries, but his main source of energy is God.
Osimhen arrived at Napoli in 2020 for a club-record fee of €72million. However, he failed to hit the ground running in his first season, netting just ten goals in 36 appearances for the Partenopeans.
The former Lille man struggled with injuries because of his power play, and he was quite unlucky in many 50-50 situations.
In his second season, however, Osimhen picked up the pace. But he suffered another setback three months into the season. He sustained a nasty facial injury after a collision with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar.
Osimhen was out for two months because of the injury, missing the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in the process. To aid his return, he had to use a face mask.
But since he returned from that injury, Osimhen has been scoring goals aplenty. The former Wolfsburg man has found the net 42 times for club and country since January 2022.
His blonde hair and mask have become his identity over time, and many feel that he derives some certain energy from the mask.
However, Osimhen has dispelled such talks, stating that the mask only serves as protection.
“The mask has become my identity. A lot of people now know me with the mask and the blonde hair, and I'm really happy about it,” Osimhen told Brila.
“I want to say thank you to my supporters, It's not easy. I see everything, and I want to say that God bless all of you, thank you very much.
“God is the source of my power because I'm very serious with God. The mask is just a form of protection for me because of the surgery I had on my face.
“It also helps me when I collide with players and goalkeepers. The mask protects me from getting facial injuries, nothing more,” Osimhen added.
The 24-year-old hitman is currently with the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Osimhen would look to continue his goalscoring form against the Djurtus and seal Nigeria's ticket.
