Daud Olatunji
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a clarification regarding the number of military officers and athletes who applied for Canadian visas to attend the ongoing Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.
The DHQ explained that only three military officers, 21 athletes, and one physiotherapist submitted applications for the visa, contrary to circulating reports that claimed over 70 officers and soldiers, including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, had sought the visa.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the clarification became imperative following the growing public concerns after General Musa revealed last Thursday that the Canadian High Commission had denied him a visa to attend the Games, which feature wounded, injured, and sick military personnel competing in various sports.
This revelation sparked strong reactions, with National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, expressing his discontent by telling the Canadian Embassy to “go to hell” for the refusal.
In a statement released on Monday, the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, addressed the confusion surrounding the visa applications.
He emphasized that the Nigerian military had organized a team composed of 3 officers, 21 athletes, and a physiotherapist, all of whom were eager to participate in the prestigious event.
“Our team, comprising three officers, 21 players, and a team physiotherapist, eagerly looked forward to this opportunity, as Nigeria is the only African nation taking part in the Games.
The Invictus Games Foundation generously catered to our team’s accommodation and feeding, alongside other participating countries,” Gusau said in the statement.
The statement further clarified that despite the team’s preparation and efforts, only 14 members, excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, were granted visas. Seven athletes, who were poised to make a significant impact, were denied visas, thereby hindering their participation in the Games.
“Regrettably, seven of our athletes who had the potential to excel were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the Games.”
He continued, “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 stated that the presence of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the games would have added mental strength to Nigerian troops.
“It is on record that the Chief of Defence Staff has initiated laudable efforts to boost morale of our service personnel who risk their lives to protect our nation and its people. The Invictus Foundation Centre, (first in Africa) currently under construction, is part of this initiative to provide care and mental healing for our wounded personnel,” he said.
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