The first phase of the 2025 Comptroller General of Customs Volleyball Championship has been declared a resounding success by the Nigerian Volleyball Federation (NVBF) President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, who gave glowing commendation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his unwavering support for the game.
Speaking during the grand finale of the nearly two-week championship in Abuja, Nimrod said the Customs’ Premier League had exceeded expectations, not only in organization but also in talent discovery, with foreign scouts already making inquiries about some of the standout players. He described the tournament as a springboard for Nigeria’s upcoming international campaigns, particularly the Qatar Volleyball Championship, where the national team is set to depart on Monday.
“The first phase was indeed tough, but it has given us confidence moving forward,” Nimrod said. “We are requesting more support from the Nigerian Customs, as we prepare for the under-18 championship in Qatar, then the school sports festival in Abuja, before returning for Phase Two in Abia.”
He revealed that grassroots scouting remains central to his administration’s strategy, with local governments and communities now serving as the pipeline for the next generation of volleyball stars. According to him, female players discovered during the championship have already been drafted into upcoming NVBF events, while preparations are ongoing for both indoor and beach volleyball competitions.
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Nimrod also expressed determination for Nigeria to secure qualification for the Los Angeles Beach Volleyball Championship after missing out twice in the past. “We cannot afford to miss this chance again. Nigeria must book its ticket this time,” he stressed, adding that confidence was high in the players ahead of the under-18 Qatar outing.
The just-concluded Customs Premier League, he noted, was dedicated to the Nigerian Customs Service in recognition of their long-standing investment and partnership in the sport. “We are grateful to the Nigerian Customs once again for their contributions and ongoing support,” Nimrod said.
The Customs Sports Director, Samuel Onikeku, echoed the NVBF president’s sentiments, describing the first phase as a success. He praised the female Customs team for their dominance, winning all 11 matches, but admitted disappointment with the men’s team, promising a thorough review. “The men did not perform well this time, but we will fix the problems. Even with the female team’s success, we still have areas to improve,” he said.
As Nigeria’s volleyball teams prepare to take their talents to Qatar and beyond, the Customs Championship has reinforced its place as one of the country’s most important platforms for talent discovery, international exposure, and the future of Nigerian volleyball
