5 days ago
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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has explained how the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria frustrated Nigeria’s chances of winning more medals at the ongoing Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.
The military high command said that despite its best efforts, only 14 members of the team, excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, were granted visas by Canadian High Commission.
A statement by Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, stressed that the team, comprising three officers and 21 players, including a team physiotherapist, eagerly looked forward to this opportunity.
The military regretted that seven of its athletes who had the potential to excel were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the Games.
General Gusau explained that notwithstanding this setback, the team’s outstanding performance earned Nigeria gold, silver and bronze medals, proudly placing Nigeria and Africa on the global map of Invictus Games.
He said: “The Defence Headquarters wishes to address and debunk the recent allegations regarding Nigeria Military request for visas to attend Invictus Games in Canada.
“Recently, the Nigerian Military received an invitation to participate in the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.
“Our team, comprising three 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 for our team’s accommodation and feeding needs, along with those of other participating nations”.
General Gusau added, “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 Invictus Games”.
He said the participation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, would have added mental strength to the team if he was not denied visa.
He averred that it is on record that the CDS has initiated laudable projects to boost morale of service personnel who risk their lives to protect the nation and its people.
The Invictus Foundation Centre, first of its kind in Africa, currently under construction, is part of this initiative to provide care and mental healing for wounded personnel.
“We urge the public to disregard malicious and unfounded allegations about the ongoing games 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 degree of injuries while protecting our dear nation,” he said.
The military spokesperson concluded that the need for accurate information at this time can not be overemphasised.
Linus Aleke
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