The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 are officially underway. In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, Nigerian athlete Festus Igube secured a bronze medal in the swimming competition at the ongoing Invictus Games taking place in Vancouver, Canada.
Igube, a serving member of the Nigerian Armed Forces, competed in the men's 50-meter freestyle event, finishing third behind competitors from the United States and Australia.
It would be recalled that on February 9th 2023, in London, UK and Abuja, Nigeria, the Invictus Games Foundation formally invited Nigeria to take part in the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023, taking the final number of participating nations to 22.
In May 2022, Nigeria was announced as joining the broader Invictus Community of Nations alongside Colombia and Israel. The original intent with Nigeria was to develop their fledgling sports recovery programme and encourage participation in events provided by the Invictus Games Foundation beyond the Games.
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both active and veteran.
Nigeria's participation in the Games is a testament to the country's commitment to supporting its servicemen and women, and Igube's bronze medal win is a source of national pride.
In a statement signed by, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information who is currently in Canada for the Invictus Games, Igube expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and his coaches for their support, saying, "This medal is not just for me but for my country and all those who have supported me on this journey."
The Invictus Games, which is still ongoing with Nigeria's team competing in various events, such as track and field, archery, and wheelchair basketball basketball. Team Nigeria are expected to win more medals for the country as the games unfold.
SpyeTV News reports that the Games which ended today 16th February spectacularly began on 10th February 2025 with a sold-out crowd at BC Place welcoming more than 500 competitors from 23 nations.
The unforgettable Opening Ceremony at BC Place, where competitors, their families, and fans from around the world gathered to kick off this historic event.
Wheelchair Basketball took centre stage at the Vancouver Convention Centre as competitors hit the courts for the first pool matches. With fast-paced action and unwavering determination, teams set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
The evening featured powerful performances from world-class artists, including Chris Martin, Katy Perry, Noah Kahan, Nelly Furtado, and Roxane Bruneau. Prince Harry, Founder and Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation delivered an inspiring speech that underscored the strength of the Invictus Spirit, celebrating the resilience and unity of the competitors.
Following the ceremony, the competition kicked off with Wheelchair Basketball at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The opening matchups did not disappoint, as teams showcased their skill and determination right from the start.
Team Canada and Team Germany engaged in a fiercely contested game, while Team Israel and Team France went head-to-head in an equally intense showdown. The energy was electric, and the crowd was fully engaged, rallying behind competitors as they pushed themselves to the limit.
The Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 will be held in July 2027, the UK-backed bid went up against six cities around the world, and Birmingham won through its strong commitment to the welfare and recovery of serving personnel and veterans. The Board of Trustees of the Invictus Games Foundation had previously shortlisted Birmingham UK and Washington DC, USA as the two final cities in the running for hosting the eighth Invictus Games.
Following presentations from both bidding teams earlier this year, the Birmingham bid was awarded the Games, highlighting the venue choice of the National Exhibition Centre, the innovative new sports and the demonstration by the bidding team of their commitment to the welfare and recovery of the international cohort of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.