Nigeria champion eyes Maputo win despite harsh weather

Submitted by Sunny Oke Oluku on 9 September 2011 - 3:27pm

Nigerian Triple Jump champion, Otonye Iworima is unfazed about the difficult conditions in Maputo insisting that nothing would deny her winning gold when the athletics and field events kick-off on September 11.

So far many athletes in other sports have blamed the harsh conditions in Maputo coupled with their inadequate facilities and transportation difficulties as reasons for their poor performances.

"Indeed, things are difficult here but one cannot succumb to those distractions and forgo her set objectives," Iworima who won a Bronze medal at the Algiers 2007 All-Africa Games said.

"I made a vow that I am going to win gold in the All Africa Games and it stands. I am not going to settle for silver or bronze medals. Gold is my target and I know that I am as good as gold.

"My coaches have driven me to the point where nothing else can compensate for my efforts. I am in good condition and hopeful that it will be like this until I crown my efforts with the gold medal."

"Frankly, I am not for silver and bronze. No, they are not for me. My aim is gold. My dream is gold. No alternative," she told AthleticsAfrica.com.