Turkish football commentator Ertem Şener has criticized Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk for his decision to start Victor Osimhen on the bench in the club’s goalless draw against Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup.
Osimhen, who has been in fine form since his loan move from Napoli, was introduced in the second half but was unable to inspire a breakthrough. Despite dominating possession, Galatasaray advanced to the quarter-finals on card difference, as they failed to find the back of the net.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Şener did not hold back in his criticism of Buruk’s tactical decisions:
“I understood this there is no seriousness in Galatasaray. Okan Buruk does not care about the Turkish Cup. Look at the minutes when Victor Osimhen and the other key players entered the game! The match wasn’t progressing, the lock wasn’t opening, and yet the coach waited too long to bring them on.”
Şener also pointed out the risk involved in delaying key substitutions, saying that Galatasaray could have been eliminated if Konyaspor had scored.
Since joining Galatasaray, Osimhen has been a standout performer, scoring 20 goals and providing five assists in 27 matches across all competitions. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers approaching, he will now shift focus to helping Nigeria secure crucial victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
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Editorial
Victor Osimhen’s omission from the starting XI in such a crucial match raises questions about Galatasaray’s priorities. While squad rotation is necessary, resting a player of his caliber in a knockout game seems like a risky choice, especially when the team struggled to break down their opponents.
Ertem Şener’s frustration is understandable why bench your top scorer in a must-win situation? Osimhen has proven to be a match-winner, and delaying his introduction nearly cost Galatasaray a spot in the next round.
For Osimhen, this game is a minor setback, but his focus must remain on consistency. With the Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers around the corner, Nigeria will be relying on his goal-scoring prowess to get back on track in their qualification campaign.
Moving forward, Galatasaray must manage their squad better, ensuring that their key players are used at the right moments in crucial fixtures.
Did You Know?
- Victor Osimhen’s 20 goals this season make him one of the top scorers in the Turkish Super Lig.
- The Turkish Cup winner earns automatic qualification to the UEFA Europa League.
- Galatasaray are aiming to win their 19th Turkish Cup title, making them one of the most successful clubs in the competition’s history.
- Osimhen was Napoli’s top scorer last season, helping them win their first Serie A title in 33 years.
- The Super Eagles face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in their next World Cup qualifiers, with Osimhen expected to lead Nigeria’s attack.
