Asaba 2018 Athletics: Nigeria’s Queen Obisesan Eyes First African Title

Posted on June 19, 2018

After failing to make a podium finish at the last Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, the Nigeria record holder in Women’s Hammer Throw, Queen Obisesan has said she will do all within her reach to win gold at the African Athletics Championships tagged Asaba 2018.

The 21st African Senior Athletics Championships is billed to take place in Asaba, Delta State from August 1-5 and despite the star cast of athletes expected to storm Nigeria, Obisesan is resolute and confident she can emerge tops.

“By God’s grace, I am working towards it (winning gold), I hope all goes well, I am believing in God for a good outing and have another new personal best,” the reigning national champion declared.

Indeed, Obisesan is well ahead of her contemporaries on the continent; having the best five throws by an African woman in 2018.

Her best throw for the year is 66.86m; a mark many analysts agree is good enough for a podium finish.

Having disappointingly finished in the fifth position at the Commonwealth Games, Obisesan said she is fired up to make amends at Asaba 2018.

“The Commonwealth Games is gone, and lessons have been learnt and so I am working towards a better African Championships, I know It could have been better at the Commonwealth Games, but I am only looking forward and not staying in the past.” She declared on Tuesday as she intensified her preparations.

Despite having the leading throws in Africa for the year, the Nigeria record holder is adopting a cautious approach as she vowed not to underrate anybody in Asaba.

“I know the Senegalese and the Burkina Faso throwers are there, but I am not focusing on anybody and I am not underestimating anybody, I am working to better myself and improve very well” she concluded.