The surgeon who operated on Super Eagles and Napoli star, Victor Osimhen after his multiple facial fractures to the cheekbone and orbital bone, has said that he could have gone blind after the incident.
Osimhen sustained the injury following a clash of heads with Inter defender Milan Skriniar at San Siro in November 2021. The Nigerian footballer subsequently underwena surgery which involved placing six plaques and 18 screws into his face to repair the damage. Since returning to action, Osimhen has always won a protective mask. The surgeon, Professor Gianpaolo Tartaro who spoke to Radio CRC recounted how they were able to get Osimhen’s eyes back into its socket. He said; “The orbital bone stopped just in time, because Osimhen could even have lost his sight. That bone could indeed have caused other problems, but fortunately, some factors helped us and the eye was able to go back into its socket.”
On speculation of Osimhen undergoing more surgery to remove the six plaques and 18 screws ithe n future, the surgeon stated that it won’t be necessary. He added; “The plaques do not need to be removed unless there is an urgent need, for example they develop an infection. The titanium could alter an x-ray, but I don’t think Osimhen wants them removed. “When we performed the surgery, we used the best quality plaques in the world and had to study very carefully where to place them, so there was protection should the player have to head the ball. “He seems to play even better than he did before, it gives him security. He has become world class.”
