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Tag: Invictus Games

  • Nigerian athletes shine at Invictus Games in Canada

    Nigerian athletes shine at Invictus Games in Canada

    The wounded-in-action Nigerian soldiers taking part in the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada have  have distinguish themselves by winning medals.

    The seventh edition of the games brought together 500 competitors from 23 countries worldwide.

    Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, founded the Games in 2014 for wounded, injured or sick service personnel and veterans.

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    Despite the visa setbacks, the Nigerian team achieved remarkable success, securing gold, silver, and bronze medals respectively, showcasing their resilience and exceptional performance on the global stage.

    The Invictus Games, which celebrate the achievements of wounded soldiers, saw Nigeria proudly representing the continent as the only African nation invited to the prestigious event.

    The Africa Unconquered Foundation, in collaboration with the Defence Headquarters, managed to take 14 members of Team Nigeria out of the original 21 competitors. Unfortunately, this did not include the Director of Sports, the team captain, and the physiotherapist, as their visas didn’t come through in time for the games.

    Ruth Simon clinched gold medal in the rowing competition.

  • Disregard “malicious allegations” on visa denial to attend Invictus Games – DHQ urges Nigerians

    Disregard “malicious allegations” on visa denial to attend Invictus Games – DHQ urges Nigerians

    The Defence Headquarters has urged Nigerians to disregard “the malicious allegations” and support the efforts of the armed forces to enhance national security and promote the welfare of servicemen and women.

    The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Monday, faulted the allegations regarding Nigerian Military’s request for visas to attend the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.

    He urged Nigerians to support the officers. men and women who sustained various degree of injuries while protecting the nation.

    According to him, the need for accurate information at this time can not be overemphasised.

    Gusau said the Nigerian military received an invitation to participate in the Invictus Games with its team, that comprised of three officers and 21 players, including the team’s physiotherapist.

    He explained that the Invictus Games Foundation catered for the team’s accommodation and feeding needs, along with those of other participating nations.

    “However, inspite of our best efforts, only 14 members of the team, excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, were granted visas.

    “Regrettably, seven of our athletes who had the potential to excel were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the Games.

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    “Notwithstanding this setback, 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.

    “Furthermore, the participation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, would have added mental strength to our troops.

    “It is on record that the Chief of Defence Staff has initiated laudable efforts to boost morale of our service personnel who risk their lives to protect our nation and its people.

    The Invictus Foundation Centre, which is the first in Africa and currently under construction, is part of this initiative to provide care and mental healing for our wounded personnel,” he said.

    (NAN)