The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Musa received back to the country, heroic military athletes freshly from the Invictus Games, Russell, Germany, on 18th September, 2023.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Civil Military Relations (CIMIC), Real Admiral Abdullahi Dewu, the CDS who commended the heroes noted that the game is meant to bring Soldiers closer for interaction and to socialize amongst themselves, particularly those with trauma and wounded in war all over the world.
According to a signed statement by the Director Defence Information, Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau made available to newsmen, the CDS stated that this is the first time an African team is represented in the games since it’s inception in 2014.
The Invictus games is an international multi-sporting events which offers recovery pathway for international wounded, injured and sick service men and women. It gives soldiers awareness and recognition in society to support their path in rehabilitation and the Games has about 500 participants and 21 nations in attendance.
Also speaking at the airport reception, the team leader and the Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Timothy Marquis described sport as ” a soft power where nations can use to do a lot of projections”.
He said that Nigeria participation is not only critical and significant to members of the AFN, but to Nigeria as a nation adding that the Honourable Minister of Defence who was at the event met with the initiator of Invictus games, Prince Harry of United Kingdom and agreed in terms to host the next event in Nigeria.
Lance Corporal peacemaker Azuegbulam won gold in power lifting, while Corpral Dazzi Gosa won Bronze in Table Tennis.
The events competed includes; table tennis, rowing, sitting down volleyball, power lifting,short put, track and field amongst others.
