Onyali in confident mood

After the Mobil Track and Field championship July 8-10 in Abuja there were speculations that she was automatically out of the Athens train for not participating in the Nigerian trials but Mary rebuffed such insinuations.

"Uchenna Emedolu and I got a letter from the Ministry excusing us from the trials at home.

"We were injured and there was no feigning that. I was only stunned when I got calls and mails concerning the final list by the AFN," Onyali told nigeriasports.com from Germany.

With few weeks to the game in Athens, she said she is feeling better. 

"I am feeling much better now and that is a positive sign. I am training hard now and it's another good feeling ahead of the Olympics.

The soft-spoken sprinter confided in Nigeriasports.com that after two decades of running in the colours of Nigeria, she has never felt like giving half her best but everything in her heart.

"I have already secured a slot to Athens for the 200 metres and was looking forward to the 100 metres qualifier before the injury came.

"I am hoping that now that am feeling much better I can look forward to better days. I cannot force myself to the games. If am not fully fit, there's no point giving it a try.

"I have given my all to the country and will continue to do that. I have gotten to that stage where I can look back and be proud of what God has given me.

"I know God willing, Athens will be a good place to achieve other plans God has for me," she concluded.