A non-governmental organisation, Nigeria Unconquered, has been formed to support wounded soldiers through sports recovery activities.
Nigeria Unconquered has been working in collaboration with the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the Invictus Games Foundation UK overseeing The Invictus Games.
There have been calls to well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to support the team with financial assistance and sponsorship to always attend international sporting events.
This laudable project is being set up in collaboration with support from the Invictus Games Foundation.
Nigeria Unconquered will continue to support military personnel to engage in sports recovery as part of their rehabilitation after being wounded, injured or sick whilst serving in the Nigerian armed forces.
Nigeria is proud to be the first African nation to have been invited to the Invictus Games and the team will be travelling in September this year to Dusseldorf, Germany, to compete alongside hundreds of other personnel and veterans from 25 countries all of whom have had one injury or the other during service.
The Games, championed by Prince Harry, uses the power of sports to inspire recovery, promote rehabilitation and generate a greater understanding and respect for servicemen and women who have been wounded, maimed, or sick as a result of service to the fatherland.
Nigeria Unconquered’s mandate is to use the power of sports to inspire recovery, promote rehabilitation, and generate a greater understanding and respect for servicemen and women who have been wounded, maimed, or sick as a result of their service. It also seeks to provide disabled servicemen hope and stability by supporting them in readjusting to life after injury through sports.
The Invictus Games has captured the attention of the media across the world for an event spanning a week of sports activities and ceremonies with a grand and spectacular closing concert.
Nigeria’s invitation to join the Invictus Community of Nations is a testament to the importance of the initiative in promoting the healing and rehabilitation of injured members globally.
Bobby Ojeh, founder of Nigeria Unconquered has been chosen as the team manager who will oversee the team’s selection, training and participation at the games.
He expresses excitement about the forthcoming Invictus Games, saying “It will be a fantastic opportunity for the team to showcase their talents and represent Nigeria on a global stage.”
He hinted at the possibility of Nigeria hosting the Games in the nearest future thus bringing the world to Nigeria.
Ojeh expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla for their continuous support and endorsement of Nigeria Unconquered saying it is a win-win for Nigeria and the Armed Forces in general.
The Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Kabiru Aliyu, would be leading the team to Germany.
As part of its preparation for the Games, Team Nigeria has played a series of games with teams from Lagos and Abuja, including the West African champion, the FCT Para volleyball team. The involvement of these servicemen in sports recovery has resulted in greater awareness on their side that there is life after service.
Team captain, Effiom Antigha, in an interview, said, “Being a member of Team Nigeria has given me a sense of self-worth and direction.”
Also, Thomas Ameh, one of the members of the team, explained how adaptive sport has been helpful in their healing process.
“The Sports Recovery Programme has given me a sense of purpose and helped me overcome mental stress as a result of injuries sustained fighting Boko Haram in the Northeast part of the country,” he said.
Findings revealed that the Invictus Games offers Nigeria Unconquered the opportunity to demonstrate the mental alertness of its members to the rest of the world. It gives these brave individuals a platform to show their strength, perseverance and desire to overcome obstacles. Beyond the games, the experience gained by the team members can benefit them in their future endeavours and contribute to a brighter future for them and their families.
For these objectives to be achieved, there must be sponsorship and partnership from well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to help the Nigerian team.
Brands can help create a brighter future for these brave men and women by collaborating with Nigeria Unconquered and showcasing their commitment to corporate social responsibilities.
Nigeria Unconquered, in collaboration with the Invictus Foundation, is steadfast in encouraging and sponsoring activities and events in honour of servicemen and women who risk their lives for a great cause in to serve and save their country from external aggression and this should be applauded and supported by all.
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