Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has condemned Canada’s visa denials for the Nigerian Invictus Games team, calling it disrespectful. Despite the setback, the team secured six medals. Musa emphasized Nigeria's demand for fair treatment and vowed government action to address the issue.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has strongly condemned the visa denials experienced by members of the Nigerian team for the Invictus Games in Canada, stating that the country will not tolerate any form of disrespect from foreign nations.
Speaking at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, General Musa addressed allegations that the Nigerian Armed Forces were excluded from the prestigious event, initiated by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. He clarified that Nigeria had followed all necessary procedures, with key government officials, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, involved in the process.
Despite this, several essential team members—including the captain, medical personnel, and physiotherapist—were denied visas. “For reasons best known to them, most of our team members were denied entry. The question is, why?” General Musa questioned.
He assured that the Federal Government was actively engaging with the relevant authorities to address the issue, emphasizing that Nigeria would not tolerate such treatment.
Despite the visa hurdles, the Nigerian team competed at the games and returned home with six medals. General Musa praised the resilience of the wounded soldiers, commending them for their unwavering spirit. “Your courage is a testament to the Nigerian spirit—unconquered, unbroken, and unstoppable,” he said.
Air Vice Marshal Nanjul Kumzhi, Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, noted that Nigeria remains the only African country to have participated in the Invictus Games and is committed to attending the 2027 edition in Birmingham, UK.
