The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that only 14 out of the 21 Nigerian soldiers invited to participate in the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada, received visas. The remaining members of the team, including three officers, the team captain, and the physiotherapist, were denied visas.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information (DDI), confirmed the situation on Monday, stating, “Unfortunately, seven athletes who had the potential to excel were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the Games.”
Despite these setbacks, the Nigerian team performed admirably, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals and displaying exceptional resilience and skill. Nigeria was the only African country invited to the prestigious Invictus Games, which celebrates the achievements of wounded soldiers.
Gusau further explained that the Nigerian military received an invitation to the event with a delegation comprising three officers, 21 athletes, and a team physiotherapist. While the Invictus Games Foundation covered accommodation and feeding expenses, only 14 team members were granted visas.
He also highlighted the potential impact of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, attending the Games, noting that his presence would have provided a significant morale boost. General Musa has been instrumental in championing initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of military personnel, including the Invictus Foundation Centre, which is under construction to offer care to wounded soldiers in Africa.
The DDI urged the public to disregard “malicious allegations” circulating about the situation and to continue supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces in their efforts to enhance national security and improve the welfare of service members. Gusau emphasized the importance of sharing accurate information, particularly regarding the care and rehabilitation of personnel injured in the line of duty.
