Nigerian soldiers secured gold, silver, and bronze at the Invictus Games in Canada, overcoming visa setbacks to showcase resilience and strength

Wounded-in-action Nigerian soldiers have won multiple medals, including gold, at the seventh edition of the Invictus Games held in Vancouver, Canada.

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The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in 2014, bring together wounded, injured, or sick service personnel and veterans from around the world.

The 2025 event featured 500 competitors from 23 countries, with Nigeria standing as the only African nation invited to participate.

Despite visa challenges that prevented some team members from traveling, the Nigerian team displayed remarkable resilience and athletic excellence.

– **Ruth Simon** won gold in the rowing competition.
– **Nigeria’s sitting volleyball team**—comprising Effiom Antigha, Ameh Thomas, Ijigba Robinson, Salisu Damjuma, Dazzi Ayuba Gosa, Iheanacho Joseph, Yahaya Abdulmudalib, Ifeoma Loveleen Nwagbo, and Dimka Gloria—secured silver.
– **Igube Festus** won bronze in swimming and rowing.
– **Dimka Gloria** earned two bronze medals in rowing.

The Africa Unconquered Foundation, in collaboration with the Defence Headquarters, managed to send 14 out of the original 21 Nigerian competitors.

Unfortunately, the team captain, director of sports, and physiotherapist could not attend due to visa delays.

Derrick Cobbinah, CEO and co-founder of the foundation, emphasised the importance of the Invictus Games in the soldiers’ recovery process.

*”After nine months of intense training, the Games are not just a competition but a crucial part of their healing journey,”* he stated.

Cobbinah also expressed hopes of hosting the Invictus Games in Nigeria by 2029 to celebrate the achievements of African veterans on home soil.

The team’s journey was made possible through partnerships with the Defence Headquarters, Chief of Defence Staff Gen CG Musa, and sponsors including Monster Energy, Canadian Tire, and Sportscheck.