Plastic Surgeon Says Osimhen Almost Became Blind

Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen almost lost his sight in 2021 according to Dr. Gianpaolo Tartaro, the surgeon of the Napoli talisman.

Dr. Gianpaolo Tartaro is the plastic surgeon who performed surgery on Victor Osimhen’s face after he sustained a facial injury in November 2021.

According to the Surgeon, Osimhen’s almost lost his sight after he was hurt in a head-on collision with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar during Napoli’s 3-2 loss at the San Siro.

Osimhen had many fractures in his cheekbone and orbital bone, which necessitated surgery with the implantation of six plaques and 18 screws on his face.

The 24-year-old Nigerian forward has played with a protective mask after the injury sidelined him for over two months.

In an interview with Radio CRC, the surgeon noted that Osimhen was lucky to have survived the injury with his eyes intact.

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.

“The plaques do not need to be removed unless there is an urgent need; for example if 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.”

Since Osimhen recovered from the injury, the Super Eagles of Nigeria forward has scored 19 league goals in 20 matches as he continues to push Napoli to win their first league title after over 32 years.

On why Osimhen continues to wear the mask, the Surgeon added, “He seems to play even better than he did before, it gives him security. He has become world-class.”