Victor Osimhen used his social media platform to defend Galatasaray teammate Günay Güvenç after the goalkeeper’s errors contributed to a 2-0 quarter-final defeat to Gençlerbirliği at RAMS Park on 23 April 2026, ending the Istanbul club’s bid to retain the Turkish Cup.
Güvenç, 34, was at the centre of a difficult evening after misjudging a delivery that allowed Adama Traoré to convert and seal the result, compounding an earlier error for Gençlerbirliği’s opening goal. The veteran goalkeeper was visibly distressed at full-time, drawing loud jeers from sections of the home support. Several Galatasaray players, including Osimhen, moved quickly to console him on the pitch as the final whistle sounded.
Following the cup exit, Osimhen posted a statement on Instagram in defence of his teammate. “We stand with Günay Güvenç. One moment doesn’t define a player, mistakes are part of football. It can never outweigh the effort, commitment, and passion he brings to the team,” the Nigerian striker wrote.
He added: “Football is a game of highs and lows, what truly matters is how we respond and how we support each other through those moments. To our fans, thank you for your support.”
The defeat against Gençlerbirliği also marked Osimhen’s return to competitive action after a 35-day absence caused by an arm injury sustained during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool in March 2026. The Super Eagles forward came on as a substitute in the 78th minute, wearing a protective bandage on the affected arm, but was unable to influence the scoreline in the time available.
Galatasaray had entered the quarter-final as defending Turkish Cup champions, making the manner of the exit — a home defeat to a lower-ranked opponent — particularly difficult for the club and its supporters. Güvenç’s role in both goals intensified the spotlight on the goalkeeper, whose emotional reaction at full-time prompted an immediate show of solidarity from his teammates inside the stadium before Osimhen extended that support publicly.
The loss represents a significant blow to Galatasaray’s domestic trophy ambitions for the 2025-26 season. With the Turkish Cup now out of reach, the club’s focus shifts to the Süper Lig, where they remain in contention. Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli ahead of the 2024-25 season before the arrangement was extended, has been a central figure in the club’s attacking play when fit. His availability going forward will be closely monitored given the arm injury that kept him sidelined for over a month.
