Victor Osimhen might have to remove his signature protective face mask for Galatasaray’s crucial Turkish Super Lig derby against their fierce rivals, Fenerbahçe, coached by José Mourinho, this weekend.
This matchup, one of the most intense football rivalries in Turkey, is set to be a defining moment of the season as both teams compete for supremacy.
Since his high-profile move to Galatasaray, Osimhen has worn the mask for protection following a serious facial injury sustained during his time at Napoli.
That injury, caused by a collision with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, led to surgery that involved inserting six plates and 18 screws into his face. The mask has since become an essential part of his gear.
However, recent reports suggest that Fenerbahçe fans are pressuring the Turkish Football Federation to ban Osimhen from wearing the mask, claiming it could pose a danger to other players. This debate intensified after Galatasaray’s 4-1 win over Çaykur Rizespor, where Osimhen collided with Rizespor’s Khusniddin Alikulov, resulting in the latter suffering a concussion. This incident reignited concerns about the safety of Osimhen’s mask.
Former referee Fırat Aydınus weighed in on the controversy, stating, “If the accessory you wear harms both your opponent’s and your own health, the referee can tell you not to wear it.”
Questions have been raised regarding the mask’s metal components and whether they played a role in Alikulov’s injury. Despite these worries, Osimhen remains a crucial asset for Galatasaray, and his participation in the derby is eagerly anticipated.
Osimhen has a notable record against Mourinho, having scored three goals in six appearances against teams managed by the veteran coach.
As the derby approaches, Galatasaray fans hope Osimhen will lead them to victory. The outcome of this match will not only impact the season’s early standings but also test Galatasaray’s ambitions for the Süper Lig title and their European prospects.
All eyes are now on Osimhen as he faces one of his biggest challenges in Turkish football: whether he will be allowed to wear his mask during this pivotal derby.
Leave a Reply