Kehinde Fajobi
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims surrounding the Nigerian military’s visa applications for the Invictus Games in Canada, urging Nigerians to support wounded servicemen and women.
Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, in a statement on Monday, called the allegations “malicious” and stressed the importance of accurate information.
He explained that Nigeria was invited to the Invictus Games with a 24-member team, including three officers and a physiotherapist.
While accommodation and feeding were covered by the Invictus Games Foundation, visa approvals were inconsistent.
“However, in spite of our best efforts, only 14 members of the team, excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, were granted visas,” Gusau said.
“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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Despite the setback, he noted that Nigeria still secured gold, silver, and bronze medals, placing the country and Africa on the global stage.
He also highlighted efforts by Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa to boost morale among troops, including the establishment of Africa’s first Invictus Foundation Centre to provide care for wounded personnel.