Iworima laments dire state of facilities for Nigerian athletes

The 2006 Commonwealth Triple Jump silver medallist, Otonye Iworima, has painted a gory picture of the state of facilities with which Nigerian athletes are compelled to train ahead of the Commonwealth Games slated for India in October.

Otonye who spoke in an interview, however, noted that athletes have been able to adapt to the situation and as such the country might excel at the Games despite the sorry state of facilities.

She said: "One thing I don't do is underestimate Nigerian athletes irrespective of the circumstance or the situation before we go to compete.

We have the determination no matter how bad the situation or facilities are, therefore I can never expect the worst from us (athletes), I always think we are going to give the best especially from those we don't really expect."

Meanwhile, 34-year old Iworima has commenced preparations for the Mobil Track and Field Championships which holds from June 24-26. The Nigerian triple jumper was of the opinion that excelling at Mobil would indeed not be a big deal for her.

"All my focus presently is in Mobil. I have commenced preparations for that", she said.

In 2006 she also finished third at the African Senior Athletics Championships and was chosen as the Nigerian Female Athlete of the Year. In 2007 she won another bronze medal, at the All-Africa Games.