By Victor Akaa.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has released a statement addressing the recent allegations surrounding the Nigeria Military’s request for visas to attend the Invictus Games in Canada.
According to the statement by the Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau on Monday, said the Nigerian Military received an invitation to participate in the games, and their team, comprising three officers and 21 players, including a team physiotherapist, was eager to take part.
He explained that as the only African nation participating in the Games, the team’s accommodation and feeding needs were catered for by the Invictus Games Foundation, along with those of other participating nations.
The statement noted that the team’s participation in the games was not without its challenges, however.
Despite their best efforts, only 14 members of the team were granted visas, excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist.
Unfortunately, seven of the team’s athletes who had the potential to excel were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the games.
This setback, according to the Director, did not deter the team, however, as they went on to earn Nigeria gold, silver, and bronze medals, proudly placing the nation and Africa on the global map of Invictus Games.
“Our team, comprising 3 officers and 21 players, eagerly looked forward to this opportunity. As the only African nation participating in the Games.
“However, despite our best efforts, only 14 members of the team excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, wee granted visas. Regrettably, seven of our Athletes who had the potential to excell were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the Games.
“Notwithstanding, this set back, our team’s outstanding performance earned Nigeria gold, silver and bronze medals, proudly placing our nation and Africa on the global map of Invictus Games.
“The participation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa , would have added mental strength to our troops.” Part of the statement read.
The Invictus Games are a testament to the strength and resilience of wounded servicemen and women, and Nigeria’s participation in the games is a shining example of this.
The games provide a platform for these individuals to come together, compete, and inspire one another, and Nigeria’s team did just that.
Their outstanding performance is a tribute to the bravery and dedication of the nation’s servicemen and women, and a reminder of the importance of supporting their welfare and well-being.
