The Defence Headquarters has reacted to the denial of visa to military men, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to attend the Invictus Games.
The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, reacted to the issue in a statement made available on Monday.
Gusau faulted the allegations regarding Nigeria’s military request for visas to attend the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.
He urged Nigerians to support the officers. men and women who sustained various degrees of injuries while protecting the nation.
According to him, the need for accurate information at this time cannot be overemphasised.
Gusau said the Nigerian military received an invitation to participate in the Invictus Games with its team that comprised three officers and 21 players, including the team’s physiotherapist.
He explained that the Invictus Games Foundation catered for the team’s accommodation and feeding needs, along with those of other participating nations.
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He said: “However, inspite of 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 Invictus Games.
“Furthermore, the participation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, would have added mental strength to our 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, which is the first in Africa and currently under construction, is part of this initiative to provide care and mental healing for our wounded personnel.”
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