Plateau State’s cycling team continues to show resilience and belief, even as medal hopes hang in the balance at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
This morning, Carolina Dung narrowly missed out on a medal in the women’s 1km individual time trial. She finished fourth, just behind a trio of top contenders: Ese Okpesereye of Delta (gold), Tawakat of Oyo (silver), and Divine Ogbe of Edo (bronze).
Dung’s performance was one of Plateau’s most promising so far—especially considering the stiff competition. Interestingly, all the current cycling medalists at the festival have participated in recent continental championships in Benin Republic and Cairo, Egypt, highlighting a major experience and exposure gap.
Despite the odds, Plateau’s camp remains upbeat. The team coach Emmanuel Wuntok, expressed optimism, praising his riders for their unrelenting morale and continuous improvements with each race.
“One thing that keeps me optimistic is the cyclists’ spirit—it’s high, and they’re not giving up,” he said. “They’re consistently improving on their previous times, and if not for the advantage our opponents have from racing internationally before the festival, things could have been different.”
“The fact remains: it’s not over until it’s over. My team is rigorously chasing the medal. Be rest assured—we will reach the promised land, God’s willing.”
Earlier, Team Plateau also finished 5th in the mixed relay event. That team was made up of:
Female riders: Carolina Dung, Patience Simon, Cicilia Sunday
Male riders: Joseph Masilinus, John Emmanuel, Daniel Guyandu Abraham
As the competition continues with more 1km individual time trials on the schedule, Plateau State will once again be represented by Abdurasheed and Joseph Masilinus in the men’s category, while Carolina Dung and Patience Simon return for the women.
They may be underdogs, but they’re far from done.
Story Credit:
Rhairom Zamora