Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Heartwarming Volleyball Game with Nigerian Army Veterans
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received a warm welcome in Nigeria as they joined army veterans for a friendly volleyball match. The event, hosted by Nigeria’s Defence Staff and 'Nigeria: Unconquered' charity, supports wounded servicemembers in line with the Duke of Sussex’s Invictus Games Foundation's mission.
Prince Harry participated in a game of sitting volleyball with wounded army veterans during a visit to Nigeria. Unfortunately, his team lost, but he and Meghan were warmly welcomed by everyone they met on their tour.
The royal couple attended an event organized by Nigeria’s Defence Staff and a local charity called ‘Nigeria: Unconquered’. This charity supports wounded servicemembers and is inspired by Prince Harry's Invictus Games Foundation.
After arriving at an officer's mess in the late morning, they were quickly escorted to watch a sitting volleyball game. Once seated in the arena, they were handed scarves in Nigeria's green and white colors.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex take part in activities as they arrive at the Lightway Academy in Abuja on Friday.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex take part in activities as they arrive at the Lightway Academy in Abuja on Friday.
Kola Sulaimon/AFP/Getty Images
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Harry brought excitement to the game when he joined his Invictus team, playing against a team from the Nigerian military who ended up winning 25 to 21.
Meghan watched from the sidelines, sitting next to 9-year-old Tiwatope Akanbi, who expressed his joy to CNN, saying, "I'm so happy I saw Meghan today and I will never forget it all my life."
A group of women from the Sussex Squad Nigeria approached Meghan, expressing their love and welcoming her home. They gifted her a book and a Nigerian fabric.
In 2022, Meghan shared that she found out she was 43% Nigerian through a genealogy test.
Megan receives flowers from a girl upon her arrival for an exhibition sitting volleyball match at Nigeria Unconquered.
Megan receives flowers from a girl upon her arrivalfor an exhibition sitting volleyball match at Nigeria Unconquered.
Kola Sulaimon/AFP/Getty Images
Wounded service members shared their thoughts about the importance of the Sussexes visit.
Flight sergeant Ifeoma Loveleen Nwagbo expressed to CNN how much Prince Harry and Meghan's visit to Nigeria means to her personally. She shared her excitement about the Invictus initiative, saying it has inspired her to believe in achieving what she once thought was impossible in her life. Meeting Prince Harry during his visit to Nigeria has left her feeling elated and on top of the world.
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Gloria Kisitmwa Dimka, who is also a flight sergeant, expressed to CNN her gratitude for the Sussexes' visit. She mentioned that the visit brings comfort to wounded soldiers by showing them that they are supported and cared for.
She further stated, "We truly appreciate their efforts in bringing laughter and smiles to the faces of all the sick and wounded soldiers. This gesture means a lot to us, and we are thankful for their support."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Nigeria on Friday for a three-day private visit to the West African country.
Their first stop was at a school in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, where Meghan had a special message for the students: "I see myself in all of you."
Harry asked the children about their understanding of mental health and emphasized the importance of taking care of themselves and each other.
He then made a heartfelt request, "Can you all promise me that from now on, you won't be afraid or unsure about mental health? If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to ask. Talk to your teachers, talk to your friends, and always support one another."
Editor's P/S:
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to Nigeria was a heartwarming display of support for wounded army veterans. Their attendance at a sitting volleyball game, where Harry joined in and played against a team from the Nigerian military, was a powerful symbol of camaraderie and resilience. Meghan's interactions with the injured service members, including 9-year-old Tiwatope Akanbi, demonstrated her compassion and empathy. The visit also highlighted the importance of the Invictus Games Foundation, which Harry established to empower wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans through the power of sport.
The Sussexes' visit was particularly meaningful for the wounded service members, who expressed their gratitude for the support and care they received from the royal couple. Flight Sergeant Ifeoma Loveleen Nwagbo and Flight Sergeant Gloria Kisitmwa Dimka both spoke about the positive impact the visit had on their lives, expressing their hope that it would inspire others to believe in their own potential. Meghan's discovery of her Nigerian heritage through a genealogy test further strengthened the connection between the royal couple and the country, making their visit even more special.
