2024 NSF: Enabulele Salutes 17-Year-Old Edo Cyclist for Dethroning Nigeria’s First Cycling Olympian
Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has congratulated Team Edo cyclist and sensational teenager, Osaretin Godwin, for defeating Nigeria’s first cycling Olympian, Ese Ukpeseraye, 2-0 in the women’s 200m sprint final at the ongoing 2024 Gateway Games (National Sports Festival) in Ogun State.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele hailed Osaretin’s remarkable performance, describing it as a demonstration of determination and the result of hard work by both the athlete and her coaching crew in sustaining Edo State’s status as the powerhouse of sports in Nigeria.
“We all know Ukpeseraye has been prolific over the years, winning this title at two consecutive National Sports Festivals held in 2020 and 2022, hosted by Edo and Delta respectively. However, in a twist of events, our very own Osaretin emerged from nowhere to defeat the reigning champion twice, denying her the chance to defend her 200m gold medal,” Enabulele stated.
“This well-deserved victory by Osaretin Godwin is a testament to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to grassroots sports development. This should form the fulcrum of our national sports agenda. We must reach into our communities, harness raw talent, and train them to compete nationally and internationally,” he added.
“Although Team Edo has been winning gold medals since the commencement of the festival, this particular one is significant because the gold medalist is a teenager. Her victory will serve as motivation for other athletes as the competition enters Day 5,” Enabulele said.
“We are delighted that a junior athlete can now compete favourably with elite athletes of Olympian standard and defeat them. Indeed, this is the hallmark of true sports development,” he concluded.
Responding, the new champion, Osaretin Godwin, said, “I am very happy that I have finally achieved my dream of winning a gold medal at the National Sports Festival, which is meant for elite athletes. I give all glory to God.”
Reports say Ukpeseraye had raised her hands in celebration, assuming she crossed the finish line first, but a video photo-finish review showed Osaretin’s bicycle crossed the line seconds ahead, dashing the Olympian’s hopes.
Ukpeseraye claimed the silver medal, while the bronze went to Mary Samuel of Delta State.
The cycling event was held near Kobape, along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.
As Team Edo continues to dominate the medals table at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, it secured a silver medal in the Men’s Doubles of the Traditional Ayo game and a bronze in the Men’s Singles category.
In other events:
Doris Maseshin won a silver medal in the 65kg category of Kung-fu.
Team Edo won bronze in Deaf Badminton Mixed Doubles and Deaf Badminton Women’s Doubles.
The Edo women’s badminton team also secured a silver medal.
In Women’s Para Powerlifting: Esther Oyema won gold in the 55kg category, while Team Edo also won silver in the 61kg, and bronze in the 50kg, 61kg, and 55kg categories.
In Men’s Para Powerlifting, Team Edo clinched silver in the 97kg category.
