Nigeria star Victor Osimhen made history with Napoli after guiding them to the 2022/23 Serie A title with his trademark mask.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen booked his place in the club’s history books having helped the Partanopei to their third Serie A title.
Napoli’s 1-1 draw against Udinese on Thursday night in Serie A ensured the current league leaders secured their first Scudetto since 1990 when Diego Armando Maradona wore the jersey.
Osimhen sent the entire Naples into epic celebration after his second half equaliser ensured Luciano Spalletti became only the third Napoli manager to lift the Italian championship trophy on Thursday night.
Osimhen also took his goals tally in this season’s Serie A campaign to 22, becoming the African player with the most league goals in a season in the competition's history.
He also matched George Weah’s record (46) for the most goals scored by an African player in Serie A’s history.
In this article, we will review one of the most asked questions surrounding the Nigerian star: Why does Victor Osimhen wear a mask on the pitch.
3 Reasons why Victor Osimhen wears a mask REVEALED!
Since 2021, Victor Osimhen has been known to wear a mask for Napoli and Nigeria.
Many fans in Italy idolize the Nigeria striker because of his mask, as well as his goalscoring exploits on the pitch.
Many reasons have been cited for Osimhen’s masked look but the real reason behind it is not so far-fetched.
1. Victor Osimhen wears a mask primarily for protection
The 24-year-old Nigeria international underwent facial surgery after colliding with Inter Milan defender Skriniar in a Serie A clash in October 2021.
And since recovering from the injury, Osimhen has been wearing the mask for protection.
2. Osimhen wears a mask as a trademark accessory
As well as his goal-scoring heroics for Napoli, Osimhen’s black mask which is a legal accessory on the pitch has made him more famous amongst Napoli and rival fans.
A number of Napoli fans recently queued up to buy the replica mask at different stores around Diego Armando Maradona, Stadium.
The mask has become a trademark accessory for the Nigerian star on and off the pitch and that trend looks set to continue.
3. Victor Osimhen's mask now serves as his identity
Victor Osimhen is unarguably among the best young strikers on the planet.
However, asides from his goalscoring exploits, what makes him stand out is his mask.
Fans and supporters around the world now know Osimhen as Serie A's 'masked-striker'.
And although he still wears the mask to protect himself from severe injuries as stated earlier, nothing stops him from sporting a mask beyond his recovery from injury.
Osimhen joins the likes of famous players who have donned the mask after recovering from injuries like Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Petr Cech, amongst others.