The Nigeria international sustained multiple fractures to his cheekbone and eye socket during his time at SSC Napoli after colliding with Milan Škriniar in a league match. The injury required extensive surgery, with doctors inserting titanium plates and screws to stabilize the damaged facial structure.

Despite making a full return to football, specialists say Osimhen remains at elevated risk of re-injury due to the nature of the trauma and the permanent implants in his face.

“In cases involving multiple fractures and surgical hardware, the area can remain vulnerable,” a sports medicine expert noted. “Any direct impact could compromise both the bone and the implants.”

Osimhen has previously confirmed the seriousness of his condition, explaining that parts of the hardware extend through his jaw, making it “too dangerous” to play without continued protection.

The mask, commonly used in maxillofacial injury recovery, is designed to reduce the risk of further damage in high-contact sports like football.

Medical experts highlight several key benefits:

• Impact Distribution: The mask spreads the force of any blow across a wider surface, reducing pressure on previously fractured bones.
• Implant Protection: It shields the titanium plates and screws from direct contact, lowering the risk of displacement or complications.
• Injury Prevention: It significantly reduces the chances of secondary fractures in structurally weakened areas.

“The goal is not just recovery, but prevention,” the expert added. “For a player like Osimhen, the mask is a necessary layer of protection.”

Not Just a Temporary Measure

While most footballers wear protective masks only during short-term recovery, Osimhen’s continued use reflects the severity of his injury. Comparable cases, such as Kylian Mbappé—who wore a mask after breaking his nose—are typically temporary and less complex.

Players have also raised concerns about comfort, including restricted vision and heat buildup. Mbappé once described the experience as “an absolute horror,” citing visibility issues during matches.

Safety Over Comfort

Despite these drawbacks, medical professionals agree that the benefits far outweigh the discomfort in high-risk cases. For Osimhen, the mask is not just protective equipment but a critical tool in extending his career and maintaining peak performance.

As a result, what began as a medical necessity has become a defining feature of his presence on the pitch—one rooted firmly in science and player safety.

The post Osimhen’s Mask: A Medical Necessity, Not Just a Trademark appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the Eagles for their efforts in the World Cup qualifying campaign despite their heartbreaking loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday night.

“The Super Eagles must be commended for putting forth their best efforts to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the President said.

“While it is painful that Nigeria will miss the tournament for the second consecutive time, we must recognize the hard work and determination displayed by the team, especially after their victory in the first playoff match.”

The Nigerian team’s World Cup hopes were dashed following a dramatic penalty shootout defeat in Morocco. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with DR Congo winning 4-3 on penalties and advancing to the Inter-Confederation playoff round.

President Tinubu urged the team to recover quickly and prepare strategically for AFCON 2025. “We must now plug all loopholes,” he noted. “Our football administrators, players, and stakeholders must return to the drawing board. The focus must now be on recovering lost glory at the Africa Cup of Nations.”

He reaffirmed his support for the team and encouraged continued backing from fans and stakeholders across the nation.

“Nigerians must keep believing in our team. The Super Eagles have what it takes to bounce back stronger.”

The post Tinubu Urges Super Eagles to Focus on AFCON After World Cup Playoff Loss appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The announcement follows from Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war on Gaza, which he announced last week, and which Israel, Hamas and most of the world broadly welcomed.

More than 67,000 people have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza, described by many international rights organisations and a United Nations commission as genocidal in nature.

The post Breaking: Trump Announces Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Cantona, known for his political stances and outspoken comments, spoke during the “Together for Palestine” concert at the Ovo Arena, Wembley, which was attended by music stars such as Damon Albarn, Bastille and Pink Pantheress, as well as actors such as Benedict Cumberbatch.

“Four days after the start of the war by Russia in Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA banned Russia. We are now 716 days into what Amnesty International has called genocide,” Cantona said.

“And yet, Israel continues to be allowed to participate.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, UEFA and FIFA banned the Russian national team and clubs from all competitions.

The disruption continues, including non-participation in the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.

This precedent has fueled debate in football about a similar ban on Israel, following December 2023 when the conflicts in Gaza caused over 65,000 casualties according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

The post Football Legend, Eric Cantona Calls for Israel Ban from FIFA and UEFA appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

He announced the award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players, and the naira equivalent of $50,000 to the technical team.

He also awarded a three-bedroom apartment to each of the players.

The Federal Government led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, on Monday, received the Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who were crowned champions of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.

The victory marks Nigeria’s historic 10th WAFCON title, reaffirming the Super Falcons’ legacy as the most successful team in African women’s football.

The post Breaking News: Tinubu Confers Super Falcons With National Honours appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Caroline Celico, ex-wife of Brazil football star Kaka has revealed an intriguing reason behind their divorce. 

In 2005, Kaka married his childhood sweetheart Caroline Celico in Sao Paulo and in 2015, the duo announced divorce on social media.

“Kaka never betrayed me, he treated me well, he gave me a wonderful family, but I was not happy, something was missing. The problem was, he was too perfect for me,” Caroline Celico was quoted as saying by several Brazilian and European news outlets.

In 2019, Kaka announced his engagement to Brazilian model Carolina Dias. On the other hand, Caroline married Eduardo Scarpa Juliao in  2021.

Kaka played for top European clubs like AC Milan and Real Madrid. He was also selected for the 2002 World Cup-winning squad and also played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The post “He Was Too Perfect” – Kaka’s Ex-Wife Caroline Reveals Reason For Divorce appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

27′ Tempers are flaring in Abidjan with a hit involving Victor Osimhen also leading to a yellow card for Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro

The Nigeria boss is furious with a free kick awarded against Osimhen, who rose to meet the free kick sent into the box.

The ref deemed that he climbed on the Ivory Coast player.

The replays show that he did not.

The post AFCON 2023 Final: Super Eagles Coach, Jose Peseiro Gets A Yellow Card appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Nigeria defeated Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties in the semi-final at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Wednesday.

The match finished 1-1 after extra time and the three-time champions will face hosts Ivory Coast or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final on Sunday.

Stanley Nwabali was the hero of the night as he saved two penalty kicks.

Nigeria were hoping to make it into their fourth AFCON final but were made to work for it early in the first half as South Africa bossed early proceedings.

Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored to give Nigeria a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over South Africa.

The post AFCON2023: Super Eagles Soar To Finals, Defeat Bafana Bafana appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles player, Ademola Lookman scored against Angola at 41minutes into the match.

Recall that the Atalanta winger Lookman scored both goals as the Super Eagles downed rivals Cameroon in the last 16 and he smashed home Moses Simon’s low cross four minutes before halftime in Abidjan.

The post AFCON LIVE: Lookman Takes Super Eagles Ahead Of Angola appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Super Eagles vice captain, William Troost-Ekong, has scored against Cote d’Ivoire.

Troost-Ekong and his teammates must avoid defeat against the Elephants to stay in contention for a place in the Round of 16

The post AFCON 2023: Ekong Scores Nigeria’s First Goal Against Cote d’Ivoire appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.