CDS Gen. Musa Hails Nigeria’s Invictus Games Heroes, Reaffirms Military Support

Published By Aisha Rabo On Feb 19, 2025

CDS Gen. Musa Hails Nigeria’s Invictus Games Heroes, Reaffirms Military Support

By Ayshatu S. Rabo

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Wednesday, warmly welcomed Nigeria’s Armed Forces Contingent after their remarkable performance at the recently concluded 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.

Team Nigeria, composed of wounded and injured military personnel, showcased extraordinary resilience, securing one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals at the prestigious global sporting event.

Gen. Musa reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to its personnel, regardless of the challenges they face.

He lauded the athletes as national heroes, emphasizing that their participation was not just about sports but a testament to their strength, courage, and indomitable spirit.

“Today, we gather to celebrate our heroes who have not only competed but have also inspired us all with their determination and resilience,” he stated.

The CDS highlighted that the Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, serve as a powerful symbol of recovery and rehabilitation for service members facing physical and mental hardships.

Despite visa challenges that saw 11 key team members, including the physiotherapist, captain, and several top athletes, denied entry to Canada, the Nigerian contingent defied the odds.

According to AVM Nanjul Kumzhi, Director of Sports at Defence Headquarters, the setbacks initially dampened team morale, but through sheer perseverance and teamwork, they adapted and fought hard in events such as wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, Nordic events, indoor rowing, and swimming.

“Though some of our teams were incomplete, our athletes gave their all, ensuring Nigeria and Africa were proudly represented on the global stage,” Kumzhi stated.

Team Leader, Capt. Vincent Tapere, expressed profound gratitude to Gen. Musa and the Armed Forces leadership for giving them a renewed sense of purpose.

“Many of us had lost hope, believing we could never serve our nation again.

The Invictus Games showed us our strength in adversity and put us back in the spotlight. This is all thanks to your unwavering support,” he said.

Gen. Musa underscored the transformative impact of sports, noting that the Invictus Games provide wounded soldiers with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.

He also extended his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian government for their continued support of the Armed Forces.

“This event has not only strengthened international bonds but also reminded us of the healing power of sports,” he remarked.

With their inspiring performance, Team Nigeria has once again proven that courage, discipline, and resilience can turn adversity into triumph, making the nation proud on the world stage.

CDS Gen. Musa Hails Nigeria’s Invictus Games Heroes, Reaffirms Military Support