Nigerian striker makes late comeback appearance but fails to inspire defending champions in 2-0 quarter-final defeat to Gençlerbirliği

Victor Osimhen made his return from injury, but it was not enough to prevent Galatasaray from crashing out of the Turkish Cup following a 2-0 quarter-final defeat to Gençlerbirliği.

The Nigerian striker had been sidelined for several weeks with an arm injury. He recently resumed training ahead of the fixture and was expected to feature as he worked his way back to full fitness after missing four matches.

Osimhen was introduced in the 78th minute, replacing Renato Nhaga, with Galatasaray already trailing and struggling to break down their opponents.

Gençlerbirliği took the lead early in the second half when Fıratcan Üzüm reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box to score in the 51st minute.

Galatasaray pushed for an equaliser, with Ahmed Kutucu seeing a close-range effort saved, while Wilfried Singo had a goal ruled out for offside.

However, Gençlerbirliği sealed the victory in the 83rd minute, as Adama Traoré converted from close range after a rebound to make it 2-0, ending Galatasaray’s title defence