The couple, making their inaugural visit to the West African nation at the invitation of its military.

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, arrived in Nigeria on Friday to advocate for the Invictus Games, an event he founded to support the rehabilitation of wounded and sick service members and veterans. Among them are Nigerian soldiers engaged in a 14-year battle against insurgency.

The couple, visiting the West African nation for the first time at the invitation of its military, arrived in the capital, Abuja, early in the morning, according to defence spokesman Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau.

Harry and Meghan will meet with injured soldiers and their families, aiming to boost morale and well-being, as stated by Nigerian officials.

"This engagement with Invictus offers an opportunity for the recovery of our soldiers," remarked Abidemi Marquis, the director of sports at Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, during a briefing with reporters on Thursday.

Harry served in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter co-pilot gunner, following which he established the Invictus Games in 2014. The initiative offers wounded veterans and service members the opportunity to compete in sports events akin to the Paralympics.

Nigeria was among the nations that participated in last year’s edition of the games.

During their visit, they will attend basketball and volleyball matches and meet with local non-governmental organisations in Abuja and Lagos that receive support from them.

Meghan will also co-host an event on women in leadership with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, as confirmed by their spokesperson, Charlie Gipson.

The news of Meghan’s visit has generated excitement among some in Nigeria, where her life and connection to the British royal family are closely followed.

The Nigerian military has highlighted the potential of the Invictus Games to aid in the recovery of thousands of its personnel who have been combating the homegrown Boko Haram extremists and their factions since 2009, when the insurgency began.

"Eighty percent of our soldiers involved in this recovery program are showing improvement, with a positive outlook on life," remarked Marquis, the military’s sports director.

"The recovery program has provided them with an opportunity to enhance their self-esteem, mental health, and emotional resilience."