The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has provided details on how the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, along with other members of the Nigerian team, were denied visas by Canadian authorities for the Invictus Games.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, the DHQ explained that the Nigerian military had received an official invitation to participate in the games in Vancouver, Canada.
The Nigerian delegation consisted of three officers and 21 athletes, including a team physiotherapist.
According to the statement, the Invictus Games Foundation covered the team’s accommodation and feeding costs, as it did for other participating nations. However, visa applications for some members of the team were rejected.
“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,” the statement read.
The DHQ emphasised that the presence of General Musa at the event would have further boosted the morale of the troops.
“The participation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, would have added mental strength to our troops,” the statement added.
