The Nigerian Army has put up significant effort to support and facilitate the transition of its injured soldiers back into civilian life through sports.
At the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the soldiers engaged in a friendly seated volleyball match with Team FCT, the West African champions.
Ojey Bobby, Team Lead for Invictus Nigeria, claims that the game demonstrates the value of sports in rehabilitation and helps warriors comprehend what their veterans have been through and why they need to heal and adapt to a new way of life.
“Invictus Game is a foundation that caters for wounded service men all over the world. Nigeria became the first African country to join in October last year. We need to thank the Chief of Defence Staff who gave approval for these men to use sports for recovery.
“We are the 25th country in the country. We hope to participate the Games in Germany and it will be a great one for our wounded soldiers,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein, coach for Invictus Nigeria, Cheris Agoawuike praised the team for the performance despite being newly formed.
“It was a performance because they are few days old and they played a West African champion. Sports is a tool for rehabilitation, integration and for them to be reabsorbed into the society. With sports, they are accepted back in the society.,” he said.
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex is an international multi-sport event first held in 2014, for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans.
