Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker for Galatasaray, is at the centre of a debate after his first game in Turkey.
In his debut match, Galatasaray won 4-1 against Çaykur Rizespor, and Osimhen helped with an important assist. However, his protective face mask is causing concern.
Osimhen’s mask, which has metal parts, was questioned after an incident with Khusniddin Alikulov from Çaykur Rizespor. Alikulov suffered a concussion after a collision with Osimhen. Some people are now asking if the mask is safe for others on the field.
Beyond Boders notes that Osimhen has worn the mask since November 2021, after a serious injury during a match with Inter Milan.
He had surgery, and six plates with 18 screws were placed in his face to fix broken bones. The mask protects him, but Turkish football officials are unsure if it is dangerous for others.
There has been no official decision yet about whether Osimhen can continue using the mask in Turkey. Some believe the mask could pose a risk to other players, while others say it is necessary for his safety.
Former referee Fırat Aydınus weighed in, saying, “The Referee May Say You Can’t Wear It. For example, did the material of that mask have an effect that would cause a concussion in Alikulov’s position? Referees should pay attention to the devices used in the equipment.”
For now, the debate continues, and everyone is waiting for a final ruling on the matter.
