On a crisp November evening in 2020, Peacemaker Azuegbulam’s dream of serving as a soldier in his nation of Nigeria was cruelly shattered. A year into his service, Azuegbulam was amid a band of brave Nigerian soldiers, embroiled in a protracted counter-offensive against Islamic extremists in the war-torn northeastern Borno state. In an instant, the thunderous eruption of an anti-aircraft weapon left him unconscious and drastically altered the course of his life. When Azuegbulam awoke, he faced the harsh reality that he would soon lose his left leg to amputation.
Nevertheless, destiny presented him a resilience-building opportunity when he joined Nigeria’s team in last year’s Invictus Games. Despite his physical limitations, Azuegbulam exhibited remarkable determination, clinching Africa’s debut gold medal at the internationally renowned sporting event. The games, founded by the U.K.’s Prince Harry, serve a noble purpose of assisting the rehabilitation of injured soldiers.
The 27-year-old soldier expressed immense gratitude towards the Invictus Games, saying they provided him with the opportunity to reclaim his life through sports. The spotlight was further trained on the games during Prince Harry’s recent three-day visit to Nigeria, alongside his wife Meghan.
Azuegbulam forms a part of several Nigerian servicemen and women, deeply scarred both physically and mentally by the country’s 14-year-long struggle against Islamic extremists in the north. The participants lauded the Invictus Games for accelerating their recovery process, making them feel revitalized. Nigeria marked history last year as the first African nation to compete in the event.
Efficacious as sports have been in aiding the recovery of Nigeria’s wounded warriors, the Invictus Games brought an enhanced level of healing, particularly in addressing issues of post-traumatic stress disorder. Abidemi Marquis, the military’s director of sports at the Nigerian Defense Headquarters, confirmed that around 80% of soldiers incorporated into the recovery program showed significant improvements, exhibiting a more positive outlook on life.
Security analysts underscored the importance of sporting events like the Invictus Games in dealing with the mental health crisis engulfing the distressed military. They argued that these games should complement other measures aimed at improving the welfare of soldiers, confronted in prior years by grievances such as poor pay, outdated weapons, and exhaustion.
During his stay, Prince Harry engaged in a soul-stirring volleyball match with the wounded Nigerian soldiers in the capital city, Abuja, uplifting their spirits. The couple also paid a visit to a military hospital handling critical injuries.
Dean Onuwchekwa, a 45-year-old Lance Corporal and explosives specialist injured in a 2021 bombing, voiced his despair of waking up to a life of handicaps. However, after participating in the Invictus Games, he described feeling a renewed sense of vigor.
Sentiments of hope and resilience were echoed by Sgt. Monday Peter, who, despite suffering the loss of his legs, rejoiced in the newfound abilities bestowed upon him by participating in the Invictus Games, such as swimming and basketball.
The games’ psychological healing benefits have been supported by studies and affirmed by Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, a renowned Nigerian mental health physician. He affirmed that participation in sports induces resilience and instills a newfound sense of purpose in the soldiers.
Prince Harry himself, having experienced PTSD post his service in Afghanistan, has been a vocal advocate for the therapeutic benefits of such events. The Invictus Games, modeled after the Warrior Games in the United States, are his brainchild and serve as a testament to this belief.
If the words of Peacemaker Azuegbulam are any indication, then the games have fulfilled their purpose, turning men of war into living examples of resilience and hope.
