The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has explained how Canadian authorities denied visas to the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and others for the Invictus Games.
In a statement on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, revealed that the Nigerian Military had been invited to take part in the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.
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“Our team, comprising 3 officers and 21 players, including a team physiotherapist, eagerly looked forward to this opportunity. As the only African nation participating in the Games. The Invictus Games Foundation catered to our team’s accommodation and feeding needs, along with those of other participating nations,” the statement read.
“However, despite 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.
“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 the Invictus Games. Furthermore, the participation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin 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 the morale of our service personnel who risk their lives to protect our nation and its people. The Invictus Foundation Centre,(the first in Africa) currently under construction, is part of this initiative to provide care and mental healing for our wounded personnel.”
The DHQ called on the public to “disregard the malicious allegations and support the efforts of the Armed Forces to enhance national security and promote the welfare of our servicemen and women especially those who sustained various degrees of injuries while protecting our dear nation.”
