By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
  • Home
  • International
    InternationalShow More
    G7 finance leaders seek non-tariff consensus in Canada, may face US pushback
    Ahead G7 Summit, Finance Ministers Seek Non-tariff Consensus In Canada, May Face US Pushback
    2 weeks ago
    Over 28,000 Women And Girls Killed In Gaza Since October 2023
    2 weeks ago
    Global Aid Cut
    New Report Reveals How Global Aid Cuts Affecting Women’s Organisations Aiding Women In Crises
    3 weeks ago
    UNICEF Raises Alarm Over 14m Children Worldwide At Risk Of Malnutrition
    2 months ago
    United Nations for Women
    In 8 Days, 830 Killed In Gaza – UN Women Raises Alarm
    2 months ago
  • Africa
    Africa
    Show More
    Top News
    AfDB Boss, Adesina To African Mayors: Let Us Act To Transform Africa’s Cities
    2 years ago
    2023 UN Water Conference: Nigeria Shares Success Stories In New York
    2 years ago
    First English Slave Fort In Africa Uncovered On Ghana’s Coast
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Cameroon Tops List Of World’s Most Neglected Displacement Crises
    1 day ago
    ECOWAS Marathon Race Director Okon Congratulates Commission on 50th Anniversary
    1 week ago
    Africa Day: Majority of Africans Want African Nations Be Given Greater Influence In International Decision-making Bodies
    1 week ago
    Edelman Africa Launches Regional Advisory To Support Global Institution Growth In Africa
    3 weeks ago
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
    Politics
    Show More
    Top News
    APC Groups In Southwest Revolt, Dump Tinubu/Shettima Ticket For Atiku
    2 years ago
    Mbah’s Victory In Enugu State Excites Nilayo Sports Boss, Olopade
    2 years ago
    Tinubu Is An Actualiser, He Worked Hard To Win Presidential Election – Prince Mohammed
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    LG Election: Stakeholders Appeal To APC Not To Allow Chairmen Run For 3rd term
    4 weeks ago
    More APC Chairmanship Aspirants Reject Indirect Primary For Local Govt Elections In Lagos State
    1 month ago
    Youth Party Sets May 18 for Lagos LG Primary Elections, Slashes Fees For Women and PWDs
    2 months ago
    Oyo State Faces Herculean Task in Picking Makinde’s Successor – Chief Ayorinde
    2 months ago
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
    News
    Show More
    Top News
    Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Begins Construction Of First Flyover In Akure
    2 years ago
    Celebration Of Life: Reverend Adewumi Jegede Of Later House Of God Assembly Buried Amid Pomp
    12 months ago
    Pa Abdulfatah Amoo Ayanwale
    Pa Ayanwale Dies At 76, Fidau Prayers Holds 8 August
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Former EFCC Boss, Bawa Unveils Explosive Book On Nigeria’s Fuel Subsidy Fraud
    17 hours ago
    IMSUAA 2025: La-Ghost And Starblaze Could Draw Inspiration From Convention Theme
    2 days ago
    IMSUAA 2025 Convention: Two Artistes From Lagos Chapter To Light Up Event
    1 week ago
    Lagos SWAN Celebrates Yeni Kuti On Her Special Day
    2 weeks ago
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
    Entertainment
    Show More
    Top News
    Keep Up With Gripping Story Of ‘The Rishantes’ Showing On GOtv 
    2 years ago
    DStv Media Sales – MIPAN Conference Explores Role Of Video Content In Building Brand Loyalty
    2 years ago
    Sporting Lagos Beat Remo Stars To Emerge Naija Super 8 Champions
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Nigerian Idol Season 10 Live Shows Are Underway as the Top 10 Battle for Stardom
    1 week ago
    Nigeria Strengthens Fight Against Content Piracy Through Strategic Partnerships
    2 weeks ago
    Prestige, Impact: Why AMVCA is the People’s Award Show
    4 weeks ago
    Celebrating African Cinema: AMVCA’s Growing Influence in Global Entertainment
    1 month ago
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
    Lifestyle
    Show More
    Top News
    The Language Of Christmas Is Love By Most Rev. Badejo
    2 years ago
    HEPHZIBAH News: The Truth About Deeper Life Exposes
    11 months ago
    Lagos SWAN Holds Cultural Sports And Traditional Fashion Fiesta
    1 year ago
    Latest News
    Lagos SWAN Joins UN To Celebrate World Nutrition Month At Unilag Confab
    1 week ago
    Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art and Toledo Museum of Art Launch Historic Cultural Exchange
    4 weeks ago
    Piracy in Africa’s Creative Sector: How Creators Can Protect Their Content
    2 months ago
    Fanti Carnival Returns To Lagos This Easter Sunday
    2 months ago
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
    BusinessShow More
    Lagos Will Continue To Lead Initiatives That Accelerate Economic Diversification – Sanwo-Olu
    2 weeks ago
    Afreximbank
    Afreximbank Reports Strong Performance For Q1 2025 In Line With expectations
    2 weeks ago
    Pan-African Payment & Settlement System
    Nigeria Unlocks Intra-African Trade With New Pan-African Payment & Settlement System Policy Boost
    4 weeks ago
    Impact Of Online Trading Platforms Like Temu On Nigeria’s Economy
    4 weeks ago
    Unity Bank Launches GenFi, Targets Children, Teens With Gamified Banking Platform
    1 month ago
  • Health
    Health
    Show More
    Top News
    Lagos Moves To Tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases In 20 LGAs
    2 years ago
    2 Billion Genetically Modified Mosquitos To Release In The US
    Dangerous New Mosquito Breed Invades Ghana
    2 years ago
    IAS 2023: Health Leaders Celebrate Australia's HIV Success
    IAS 2023: Health Leaders Celebrate Australia’s HIV Success
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Roche Launches Diagnostics Operations In Nigeria,
    1 day ago
    Alimosho Football Coaches Council Set For Health, Safety Business Workshop
    2 weeks ago
    World Hypertension Day: Merck Foundation Commits To Improving Cardiovascular And Diabetes Care Across Africa
    3 weeks ago
    First Lady Gives Paediatric Support To Indigent Patients At Lagos General Hospital
    3 weeks ago
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Reading: Invictus Games 2023: Nigeria Debut, Supported By Meghan, Shows ‘Power Of Sport’ To Help African Veterans
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
Aa
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
  • Politics
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Health
  • More
Search
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
  • Health
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Independent News Express > Blog > Sports > Invictus Games 2023: Nigeria Debut, Supported By Meghan, Shows ‘Power Of Sport’ To Help African Veterans
Sports

Invictus Games 2023: Nigeria Debut, Supported By Meghan, Shows ‘Power Of Sport’ To Help African Veterans

Last updated: 2023/09/18 at 9:39 PM
2 years ago
Share
Peacemaker Azuegbulam celebrating his gold medal for Nigeria at the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany
SHARE

When Peacemaker Azuegbulam suffered life-changing injuries while serving Nigeria in combat, little did he know that three years later he would be wearing a gold medal around his neck.

Contents
Africa’s Invictus Games debutMeghan’s Nigerian rootsThe power of Invictus

He was part of Nigeria’s delegation at the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf – the first time an African nation had participated.

The event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women was set up in 2014 by Prince Harry and this year hosted more than 500 competitors from 21 nations.

Invictus is a Latin word that translates as “undefeated” or “unconquerable” and is the name of a poem often recited by Nelson Mandela. Azuegbulam can now also see the power in its meaning.

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

“I feel so good. I feel great. I feel powerful because I’m the first one [African Invictus medalist]”, the single-leg amputee told the BBC’s Focus On Africa podcast.

For the 27-year-old, winning powerlifting gold in the 69kg category was a massive moment.

“I made my country proud. I made Africa proud. I made the armed forces of Nigeria proud.

“Everybody keeps on congratulating me for making them proud and for putting a smile on their face.

“And for me to let the world know that there is an ability in disability. With my injury, I still made it.”

After all that has happened, Azuegbulam maintains he has no regrets about choosing to serve his country.

“I got my injury in a place called Maiduguri, fighting Boko Haram. That was my service to the country and I do what my country wants me to do as a soldier. It is my duty.”

Africa’s Invictus Games debut

Nigeria’s participation at Invictus 2023 was the brainchild of Derrick Cobbinah, a veteran of the British Army who acts as a voice for former British soldiers living in Ghana.

His efforts earned him recognition from Prince Harry, with a 10-strong team attending this year’s event.

“Two years ago, we started working on bringing in Nigeria as the first African country,” Cobbinah says.

“It hadn’t been easy because sports recovery is a new thing in Africa. Using the power of sports to help wounded and injured servicemen and women to recover has never been done.

“Nigeria was actually the first country that accepted to be part of the Invictus Games.”

Meghan’s Nigerian roots

Derrick Cobbinah and Meghan Markle
Derrick Cobbinah with the Duchess of Sussex at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf

Among those supporting the Nigerian team in Dusseldorf was the Duchess of Sussex, who recently explained how genealogy tests had revealed she is 43% Nigerian.

The pair were regularly seen with Nigeria fans at the event which finished on Sunday, with Cobbinah also pictured with Meghan.

Having seen up close the impact of such star power, he says the next aim is to improve facilities for ex-service personnel across the continent.

“There have been a lot of challenges as the infrastructure we have in Africa is not very disability friendly.

“Also, Africa as a continent – and our military – do not have the infrastructure for these wounded servicemen and women.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games sitting with Nigeria fans
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Invictus Games, sitting with Nigeria fans during a volleyball match

“It has been about going around making sure that we have the right facilities in place to help them train to get here – that’s been one of the main challenges.

“The Nigerian chief of defence staff has been amazing, making sure we now have something in place to help these guys achieve their dream.”

The power of Invictus

Nigeria medalists Peacemaker Azuegbulam (left) and Dazzi Gosa (right) at the Invictus Games in Germany
Nigeria picked up two medals in Dusseldorf, winning gold through powerlifter Peacemaker Azuegbulam (left) and bronze in table tennis thanks to Dazzi Gosa (right)

Azuegbulam says the Invictus Games proved to be about much more than winning gold.

“It facilitated my recovery. It’s made me feel so nice that I stopped minding the injury I had.

“I conquered. It means a lot to me because I do things that I thought I can’t do again.

“It’s put a smile on my face. It’ll make me physically fit, mentally and spiritually fit.”

And he believes other African nations should now follow Nigeria’s lead and make their own bid for Invictus glory.

“Of course, because I’m able to represent my country, not only in powerlifting but many other games. So I would like to meet some other persons from around the country and from Africa.”

You Might Also Like

Cash Trapped South Africa FA Faces Parliamentary Probe

Liam’s Height Sports Academy Begin Preparation For Oba Akran Cup

Ileya Cup: Four Teams Battle For Final Ticket In Lagos

Gara Gombe Commiserates with Kano Govt Over Tragic Loss of State’s Athletes, Officials

Testimony Fills Air As IMC Holds First Stakeholders Meeting For Supporters Club Unification

INadminNG September 18, 2023 September 18, 2023
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Print
Previous Article About 10% Of Known Libya Flood Deaths Were Migrants
Next Article Artificial Intelligence GE HealthCare Awarded $44m Grant To Develop Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Ultrasound Technology
about us

Independent News Express (iNews Express), a publication of 4Ds Nigeria Limited, is birthed out of the desires of the founding fathers to report News as it is.

We value Professionalism, Excellence, Service, Creativity and Integrity.

The Company

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

Quick Links

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

Categories

Find Us on Socials

© Independent News Express. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?