The Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has congratulated 17-year-old Edo cyclist Osaretin Godwin for her stunning victory over Nigeria’s first cycling Olympian, Ese Ukpeseraye, in the Women’s 200m Sprint Final at the ongoing 2025 National Sports Festival (NSF), Gateway Games 2024 in Ogun State.
In a statement released by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele praised Osaretin’s remarkable achievement, calling it a powerful testament to determination, hard work, and the depth of talent in Edo’s grassroots sports development.
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“We all know Ukpeseraye has been dominant over the years, winning this title at the 2020 and 2022 National Sports Festivals hosted in Edo and Delta, respectively. However, in a stunning turn of events, our very own Osaretin rose from relative obscurity to defeat the reigning champion twice, denying her a third straight 200m gold medal,” Enabulele said.
He hailed the teenager’s triumph as a milestone moment, crediting it to the Edo State Government’s commitment under Governor Monday Okpebholo to discovering and nurturing local talents.
“This well-deserved victory is a clear reflection of Governor Okpebholo’s dedication to grassroots sports development. This model should serve as the backbone of our national sports agenda – identifying raw talent within communities and training them to compete at the highest level,” Enabulele added.
He noted that while Team Edo has won several gold medals since the start of the festival, Osaretin’s gold is especially symbolic because she is still a junior athlete.
“To see a teenager go head-to-head with an Olympian and come out on top, that’s the true essence of sports development. Her victory will inspire other young athletes as the competition enters Day 5,” he emphasised.
In her post-race reaction, Osaretin Godwin expressed joy and gratitude.
“I’m very happy to finally achieve my dream of winning a gold medal at the National Sports Festival, which is mostly for elite athletes. I give all glory to God.”
In a dramatic twist during the final, Ukpeseraye initially raised her hands in celebration, believing she had crossed the line first. However, a video photo-finish review revealed that Osaretin’s front wheel edged ahead by mere seconds, shattering the Olympian’s hopes of a third consecutive title.
Ukpeseraye settled for the silver medal, while Mary Samuel of Delta State claimed bronze.
The cycling showdown was held near Kobape, along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.
