Meghan mania as fans mob duchess during Nigeria trip and Prince Harry joins in with wounded soldiers' volleyball match
11 May 2024, 15:31 | Updated: 11 May 2024, 15:41
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sparked mayhem as they attended a sitting volleyball match during their trip to Nigeria.
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The couple are visiting Nigeria to champion Harry's Invictus Games, which he founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick service members and veterans.
On Saturday, they attended the sitting volleyball match in the capital, Abuja.
Harry even had the chance to get involved in one of the matches himself, joining a group of wounded soldiers during the session.
But it was Meghan who stole the show on Saturday as fans surrounded her to present gifts and take selfies.
She could be heard cheering Harry on as he played, but it was to no avail as his Nigeria Unconquered team ended up losing to the Chief of Defence staff squad.
The match at the Officers Mess was the couple's first official engagement of the weekend.
Among the supporters to meet Meghan was six-year-old Royalty Ojeh, who presented her with some roses.
The duchess pulled one of the flowers out and handed it back to the little girl.
Tiwa Akanbi, 9, was also introduced to the duchess.
Sharing their interaction after, she said: "[Meghan] said Prince Harry loves to play volleyball and that he’s very good at it.
"And she asked me if I play volleyball in my school. And I said yes."
When Harry and Meghan first arrived, some fans held signs reading "43% Nigerian" - a nod to the recent revelation that Meghan is partially Nigerian.
During their stay, the couple will also meet local non-governmental organisations in Abuja and Lagos that are receiving support from them and Meghan will co-host an event on women in leadership.
The news of Meghan's visit excited many in Nigeria where her life - and association with the British royal family - has been closely followed.
The Nigerian military has touted the Invictus Games as one which could help the recovery of thousands of its personnel who have been fighting the homegrown Boko Haram Islamic extremists and their factions since 2009 when they launched an insurgency.
"80% of our soldiers that have been involved in this recovery programme are getting better (and) their outlook to life is positive," Abidemi Marquis, the director of sports at Nigeria's Defence Headquarters, said.
"The recovery programme has given them an opportunity to improve their personal self-esteem, to improve their mental health and emotional intelligence."
