In November 2020, Peacemaker Azuegbulam, a Nigerian soldier, suffered severe injuries leading to the amputation of his left leg during a military operation against Islamic extremists in Borno State, Nigeria. Azuegbulam later participated in the Invictus Games, an international sporting event founded by Prince Harry for wounded servicemembers, where he and other Nigerian wounded soldiers competed. During these games, Nigeria made its first appearance and Azuegbulam notably won Africa's first gold medal.
The involvement in the Invictus Games provided a recovery avenue for these soldiers, helping them deal with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues arising from their combat experiences. Nigeria’s military, recognizing the therapeutic benefits of sports, acknowledged the positive impact of the Games on their soldiers' rehabilitation.
Prince Harry’s involvement in the event was highlighted during his visit to Nigeria, where he engaged in activities like playing volleyball with the wounded soldiers and visiting a military hospital in Abuja. This visit was part of a broader effort to support the rehabilitation of wounded servicemembers through sports, paralleling Prince Harry's personal experiences with PTSD following his military service in Afghanistan.
The event not only served as a physical and mental rehabilitation platform but also helped in improving social connections, self-esteem, and the overall mental wellness of the participants, exemplifying the broader potential of sports in rehabilitation programs for veterans worldwide.