The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed how the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other Nigerian military personnel were denied visas by Canadian authorities ahead of the Invictus Games.

In a statement on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, disclosed that the Nigerian military had received an invitation to participate in the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.

“Our team, comprising three officers and 21 athletes, including a physiotherapist, eagerly anticipated this opportunity. Nigeria was the only African nation invited to the Games. The Invictus Games Foundation had made provisions for our team’s accommodation and meals, alongside other participating nations,” the statement read.

“However, despite our best efforts, only 14 members of the team were granted visas. Unfortunately, the team leader, captain, physiotherapist, and seven other athletes—who had the potential to excel—were denied entry, preventing them from competing in the Games.”

Despite this setback, Gusau noted that Nigeria’s contingent delivered an outstanding performance, securing gold, silver, and bronze medals, thus earning global recognition for the country and Africa at large. He also emphasised that the participation of General Musa would have provided additional morale-boosting support for Nigerian troops.

“The Chief of Defence Staff has consistently initiated commendable efforts to enhance the morale of our service personnel, who risk their lives to protect the nation and its citizens. One such initiative is the Invictus Foundation Centre—the first of its kind in Africa—which is currently under construction to provide care and mental health support for wounded personnel.”

The DHQ urged the public to disregard any “malicious allegations” surrounding the issue and to support the military’s ongoing efforts to enhance national security and improve the welfare of service personnel, especially those injured in the line of duty.