Victor Osimhen may be forced to remove his iconic protective face mask when Galatasaray take on their fierce rivals Fenerbahçe, managed by Jose Mourinho, in this weekend's highly anticipated Turkish Super Lig derby, Soccernet.ng reports.
The clash is set to be a pivotal moment in the season, with both sides vying for dominance in what is regarded as Turkey's biggest football rivalry.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray with high expectations, has been wearing the mask since suffering a serious facial injury during his time at Napoli.
The injury, sustained in a collision with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, required surgery and the insertion of six plates and 18 screws into Osimhen's face.
Since then, the mask has become a permanent feature for the Nigerian striker, providing him with protection as he continues his prolific career.
Osimhen’in suratındaki maske metalden oluştuğu Alikunov’un elmacık kemiği kırıldı.
— Berkan (@SaracogluFeneer) September 15, 2024
Birileri soytarılık yapacak diye adam neredeyse ölecekti. Siz ne iş yaparsınız @TFF_Org pic.twitter.com/7Au1WN7iZt
However, reports from Turkey suggest that Fenerbahçe fans are pressuring the Turkish Football Federation to ban Osimhen from wearing the mask, arguing that it poses a potential risk to opponents.
This controversy arose after Galatasaray’s recent 4-1 victory over Çaykur Rizespor, in which Osimhen collided with Rizespor player Khusniddin Alikulov, leading to the latter's concussion.
Former referee Fırat Aydınus weighed in on the matter, stating on a Turkish TV program:
“If the accessory you wear harms both your opponent's and your own health, the referee can tell you not to wear it.”
Concerns have been raised over the mask's metal components, with some questioning whether it contributed to Alikulov's injury.
Despite the mask debate, Osimhen remains a crucial figure for Galatasaray, and the upcoming derby will be a true test of his impact on Turkish football.
His record against Mourinho, who previously managed AS Roma, is impressive, with three goals in six appearances.
As Osimhen prepares for this high-stakes encounter, Galatasaray fans will be hoping their star striker can lead them to victory.
This weekend’s match will not only determine early-season supremacy but also provide insight into Galatasaray’s ambitions of retaining their Süper Lig title and making a mark in Europe.
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) September 18, 2024
All eyes will be on Osimhen as he faces his toughest challenge yet in Turkish football — mask or no mask.
All the best