Victor Osimhen may have to remove his protective face mask for Galatasaray’s upcoming Turkish Super Lig derby against Fenerbahçe, managed by José Mourinho. The match, a major highlight in Turkey’s football calendar, sees both teams battling for top position.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray amid high expectations, has worn the mask since a serious facial injury sustained while at Napoli. The injury, caused by a collision with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, required surgery involving six plates and 18 screws.
Recent reports suggest Fenerbahçe fans are urging the Turkish Football Federation to ban Osimhen’s mask, citing potential risks to opponents. This controversy intensified following Galatasaray’s 4-1 win over Çaykur Rizespor, where Osimhen’s mask was implicated in a collision that resulted in Rizespor’s Khusniddin Alikulov suffering a concussion.
Former referee Fırat Aydınus commented that if an accessory endangers players’ health, referees can mandate its removal. The debate centers around whether the mask’s metal parts contributed to Alikulov’s injury.
Despite the controversy, Osimhen remains a key player for Galatasaray. His previous record against Mourinho includes three goals in six matches. As the derby approaches, Osimhen’s availability and impact will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
