**Osaretin Godwin’s Historic Gold Marks Turning Point in Youth Sports Development**
……….
Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has applauded 17-year-old cycling sensation, Osaretin Godwin, for her stunning victory over Nigeria’s first cycling Olympian, Ese Ukpeseraye, in the women’s 200m sprint final at the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF) — the Gateway Games — in Ogun State.
Godwin, representing Team Edo, clinched the gold medal with a 2-0 defeat of the defending champion in a highly anticipated race held near Kobape along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway. Ukpeseraye, the reigning titleholder from the 2020 and 2022 editions of the NSF, settled for silver, while Delta’s Mary Samuel took bronze.
In a statement issued through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele hailed the teenage cyclist’s performance as “a demonstration of determination, discipline, and the result of Edo’s strategic investment in grassroots sports.”
“We all know Ukpeseraye has dominated the cycling scene for years, winning back-to-back titles. But in a dramatic turn, Osaretin emerged from relative obscurity to defeat her twice, denying her the 200m sprint title,” Enabulele said.
He added: “This well-earned victory is a testament to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development. It reinforces the urgent need for a national sports policy that prioritizes identifying and nurturing young talent from the grassroots to the global stage.”
Enabulele further noted the symbolic importance of Godwin’s triumph: “Though Team Edo has consistently amassed gold medals at this festival, Osaretin’s win stands out because she is a teenager defeating an Olympian. Her achievement will inspire many young athletes as the festival progresses.”
In an emotional reaction, Osaretin said: “I am very happy to have finally achieved my dream of winning a gold medal at the National Sports Festival, competing with elite athletes. I give all glory to God.”
Eyewitness reports revealed that Ukpeseraye had prematurely celebrated what she believed was a win, only for a photo-finish review to confirm that Osaretin’s bicycle edged hers at the finish line, shocking fans and officials alike.
Meanwhile, Team Edo continues its strong showing at the 22nd NSF with several more medals:
Ayo Traditional Game: Silver in Men’s Doubles and Bronze in Men’s Singles
Kung-fu: Doris Maseshin won silver in the 65kg category
Deaf Badminton: Bronze in Mixed Doubles and Women’s Doubles
Women’s Badminton: Silver
Women’s Para Powerlifting:
Gold in 55kg (Esther Oyema)
Silver in 61kg
Bronze in 50kg, 55kg, and 61kg
Men’s Para Powerlifting: Silver in 97kg
With five days gone in the festival, Edo State’s dominance on the medals table reinforces its status as Nigeria’s sports powerhouse and sets a new benchmark for youth and inclusive sports development.
