Why does Victor Osimhen wear a mask?
Luciano Spalletti's Neapolitan juggernaut wouldn't boast such potency if it wasn't for the blonde-tipped demon leading the line.
Aurelio De Laurentiis had long envisaged Victor Osimhen to blossom into one of Europe's most destructive forwards when he broke the bank to bring the Nigerian international to Naples in 2020. However, Osimhen's first two seasons in Serie A brought much frustration.
Injuries compromised the striker's distinct promise as the club's old guard remained at the forefront of the fanbase's adoring hearts. Osimhen would eventually close out 2021/22 in a rampant mood, but Napoli's demise as a collective brought about much angst.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian's proficient campaign last time out set the tone for what has now been nothing short of a remarkable campaign thus far. The former Lille hitman is the current frontrunner for Capocannoniere having scored 18 times in Serie A as Napoli look set to lift their first Scudetto since Diego Maradona left town more than 30 years ago.
Osimhen's frightening skillset instils fear into every opponent that's unfortunate enough to cross his path, but it's not only the Nigerian's dogged channel running, electric pace, and fierce ball striking that invokes paranoia and dread within Serie A defenders. The bloke looks like Batman, too.
Why does Victor Osimhen wear a mask?
A reminder that in late 2021, Victor Osimhen required six plates and 18 screws during the operation on his face following a clash of heads.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 21, 2023
He's now taken over Serie A. The man behind the mask 😤 pic.twitter.com/3jZUkofSPx
We've seen it countless times already this season: Osimhen wheeling away in celebration having been teed up by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (probably) with mask in hand. Once the ball hits the back of the net, the Nigerian's overwhelming priority is to get that thing off his face.
So, why is he wearing it in the first place?
Back in October 2021, the striker suffered a nasty facial injury after colliding with Inter defender Milan Skriniar. Osimhen was left with a fractured eye socket and required 18 metal screws and six plates inserted into his face as a result of the injuries caused by the clash.
He returned to action three months later wearing the mask as protection.
How long does Victor Osimhen need to wear the mask for?
Club doctor Roberto Ruggiero told Radio Marte last summer that Osimhen's injury is 'perfectly healed' but added that the striker will continue to wear the mask because 'it gives him a sense of security'.
With Osimhen currently enjoying the most prolific goalscoring run of his career, it doesn't look like he'll be taking that mask off anytime soon. His Batman-like aesthetic has transformed Spalletti's side, and superstition may well be keeping the mask on the striker's face.