“Canada Denies Visas to Nigerian Defence Team for Invictus Games”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed disappointment after Canadian authorities denied visas to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and several other members of the Nigerian military delegation for the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.
In a statement released on Monday, Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, explained that Nigeria had received an official invitation to participate in the prestigious event, which celebrates the resilience and determination of wounded, injured, and sick soldiers. The Nigerian team, comprising three officers, 21 athletes, and a team physiotherapist, was eager to represent the country as the only African nation participating in the Games.
Visa Denials Impact Nigerian Team
Despite the team’s enthusiasm and preparation, 14 members of the group, excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, were granted visas, leaving seven athletes—who were considered capable of excelling in the Games—unable to participate due to visa denials.
The statement further noted that, in spite of this setback, Nigeria’s team still achieved significant success, securing gold, silver, and bronze medals, and proudly showcasing Nigeria and Africa on the global stage.
A Missed Opportunity for Moral Support
The DHQ emphasized that the absence of General Musa, who had hoped to attend the Games, deprived the team of a key source of morale and mental strength. The statement highlighted the Chief of Defence Staff’s ongoing efforts to enhance the wellbeing of Nigerian troops, including the development of the Invictus Foundation Centre—the first of its kind in Africa—designed to aid the recovery and mental healing of wounded personnel.
Call for Public Support
The DHQ also called on the public to disregard malicious allegations surrounding the visa issue and instead rally behind the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces to improve national security and the welfare of servicemen and women, especially those injured in the line of duty while safeguarding the nation.
