Dressed in green outfits, Peacemaker Azuegbulam and some Nigerian teammates made their way through the crowd at the Invictus Games. A mixture of chattering school groups, soldiers and yellow-clad volunteers populated the area between the athletics stadium and the large arena in Düsseldorf. The mood is relaxed as, time after time, the Africans stop for either a selfie or just a short conversation with participants from other nations.
“It’s exciting to be here. It’s a nice experience,” Azuegbulam told DW. The day before, the 27-year-old had won the first gold medal for his country in powerlifting.
Like Israel and Colombia, Nigeria is taking part in the sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women for the first time. A total of 21 countries are represented in the 2023 edition in Düsseldorf, Germany. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, launched the event nine years ago.
These are the magic moments of #ig23. The Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 presented by @boeing not only show how to overcome challenges they also show how to spread love properly.
The whole team wishes you all the best and we’re glad she said ‚yes‘ in front of the whole team.… pic.twitter.com/gYMd3eqCE6
— Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 (@InvictusGamesDE) September 12, 2023
“We are delighted that these new nations are taking part,” he said at the opening ceremony, adding that he was paying particular attention to Nigeria because his wife, Meghan, has Nigerian roots.
