Nigerian Powerlifter Triumphs Over Boko Haram Injury, Secures Historic Gold in Invictus Games
Peacemaker Azuegbulam’s life took a devastating turn three years ago when he lost his left leg during a Boko Haram attack while serving in the Nigerian army.
However, his remarkable journey of resilience reached a pinnacle last month when he clinched gold at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. Azuegbulam made history by becoming the first Nigerian and the first African to claim the top prize in the prestigious event, which was founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, as a means of aiding the rehabilitation of wounded servicemen and women through sports.
The Invictus Games have grown to include participants from 23 nations, featuring a diverse range of sports, from weightlifting to volleyball and table tennis. Azuegbulam, at the age of 27, not only secured gold in powerlifting but also competes in sitting volleyball and other sports.
His journey from injury to triumph has been marked by pain and perseverance. In October 2020, Azuegbulam was part of an army unit fighting to dislodge jihadists in Nigeria’s northeast, a region plagued by over a decade of conflict with Islamist militants.
During a harrowing encounter, jihadists fired an anti-aircraft gun, severely wounding Azuegbulam and necessitating the amputation of his leg.
“After being injured, I got into a lot of things emotionally, physically, and even mentally, I was thinking a lot of things, I was not myself, it was very tough,” he recalled.
However, with the support of the local organization Nigeria Unconquered, Azuegbulam embarked on a path of sports recovery for wounded servicemen and veterans, ultimately leading him to a team that would compete in the Invictus Games in September.
Bobby Ojeh, the director of Invictus in Nigeria, believes 犀利士 Azuegbulam’s gold medal will inspire hope in others and encourage more African nations to participate in the event.
Nigeria has grappled with a jihadist conflict in its northern regions, resulting in the loss of over 40,000 lives and the displacement of more than 2 million people since 2009. The country’s security forces also face challenges from bandit gangs and separatist movements in various parts of Nigeria.
For Azuegbulam, originally from the southeastern state of Imo, sports played a pivotal role in his recovery. “I am recovered now, it is due to sports. Nothing more than you seeing yourself doing something,” he reflected.
Yet, Azuegbulam found even greater inspiration at the Invictus Games through the camaraderie and support of fellow wounded servicemen and women. “I have new friends now, I have a new family now that can encourage me, advise me, and know where to help me,” he said.
Following his gold medal achievement at the Invictus Games, Azuegbulam is determined to continue his sports journey. “As it stands now, I am ready. The ability is there, I am ready to go further in any sport. Even in the Olympics, I am ready,” he declared. “I want to continue in sports. Let me focus on sports and keep on winning.” Azuegbulam’s journey from adversity to triumph stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit.