Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker playing for Galatasaray, has found himself at the center of a heated debate in Turkey following his debut match against Çaykur Rizespor. The issue revolves around the protective mask he wears, which became a subject of concern after an incident with an opposing player.
Osimhen made his highly anticipated debut for Galatasaray, contributing an assist in their 4-1 win over Çaykur Rizespor. However, the game took an unexpected turn when Osimhen collided with Rizespor’s Khusniddin Alikulov during a contested play. The collision resulted in a concussion for Alikulov, sparking concerns about the safety of Osimhen’s mask, which includes metal fasteners as part of its design.
Turkish football circles have raised questions about whether the mask could pose a danger to other players on the field. The debate intensified after it was revealed that Alikulov sustained a concussion, though early fears of a facial fracture were dismissed. The injury has prompted discussions on whether Osimhen’s mask should be allowed in Turkish football, with some arguing it could be a risk.
The mask itself is a result of a previous injury Osimhen sustained in 2021 while playing for Napoli. During a match against Inter Milan, the striker suffered a severe facial injury after clashing heads with defender Milan Skriniar. The injury was so severe that it required surgery to insert six plates and 18 screws into his face. The protective mask has been a crucial part of his recovery and has allowed him to continue playing without risking further injury.
A former Turkish referee, Fırat Aydınus, weighed in on the issue, explaining that referees are responsible for ensuring players’ accessories do not pose a risk. He stated, “The referee may say you can’t wear it… If the accessory you wear harms both your opponent’s and your own health, the referee can tell you not to wear it.” This comment has added fuel to the debate, with many now questioning whether the mask should be banned in Turkey.
Despite the controversy, there has been no official statement from Turkish football authorities or Galatasaray regarding any possible restriction on Osimhen’s mask. Some fans have voiced their concerns on social media, with one post translated from Turkish reading, “Alikulov’s cheekbone was broken because the mask on Osimhen’s face was made of metal.”
In the midst of the debate, Osimhen remains a key player for Galatasaray. Known for his scoring prowess, the striker netted 33 goals last season, helping Napoli secure the Serie A title. As Galatasaray continues its campaign, all eyes are on whether Osimhen’s mask will continue to be part of his game, or if new rules might force him to make adjustments.
