The 2026 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League, sponsored by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), commenced in spectacular fashion on Monday in Abuja, with several tightly contested matches highlighting the increasing competitiveness of volleyball in the country.
Key Highlights:
The opening day of the first phase of the 3rd Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League delivered dramatic comebacks, five-set thrillers and impressive performances from both established champions and debutants.
One of the biggest attractions of the day was the men’s clash between defending champions CNS Spikers and Defence Spikers.
The champions were pushed to their limits before securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Defence Spikers claimed the opening set 25-20 before CNS Spikers responded emphatically with a 25-12 win in the second set.
Defence Spikers regained the lead by taking the third set 25-23, but CNS Spikers fought back to level the contest after winning the fourth set 25-22.
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The decisive fifth set produced intense action before the champions eventually prevailed 17-15.
Speaking after the match, CNS Spikers head coach Sani Mohammed admitted the encounter was difficult but described the victory as important.
“It might not be too impressive to many people but to me I think it’s good because this is the Premier League and no team is a throwaway team.
“Even last season, if you remember, it wasn’t easy for all the teams equally. This time is not going to be easy, but by the grace of God, we are going to take every match as it comes. Thank God we accepted this one.”
Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) recovered from a first-set loss to defeat UCEM Volleyball Club 3-1. UCEM took the opening set 25-21 but NCoS rallied strongly, winning the next three sets 25-20, 25-21 and 25-22 to register their first victory of the campaign.
Another dramatic encounter saw Nigeria Police Force overturn a two-set deficit to defeat Life Camp Volleyball Club 3-2.
Life Camp looked headed for victory after winning the first two sets 25-19 and 25-21. However, Police mounted an impressive comeback, taking the next three sets 25-13, 25-20 and 15-10 to steal the victory.
Host team Nigeria Customs Service also enjoyed a winning start, defeating NSCDC 3-1.
NSCDC claimed the opening set 25-23, but Customs responded strongly by winning the next two sets 25-18 and 25-17. The fourth set turned into a marathon battle before Customs eventually emerged victorious 31-29.
Offa Volleyball Club defeated Ajase Ipo Volleyball Club 3-1 after winning the first two sets 25-19 and 25-17. Although Ajase Ipo claimed the third set 25-22, Offa sealed victory with a 25-20 win in the fourth.
COAS Spikers also opened their campaign on a positive note with a 3-1 triumph over Kano Pillars.
The army side dominated the opening two sets 25-17 and 25-18 before Kano Pillars responded with a 25-17 victory in the third set. COAS Spikers, however, wrapped up the contest by taking the fourth set 25-17.
In the women’s category, debutants VIP & Partners announced their arrival in style with a convincing 3-0 victory over Kada Emeralds.
VIP won the match 25-21, 25-22 and 25-22 to secure a memorable first Premier League victory.
Nigeria Customs Service women’s team recorded one of the most dominant performances of the day, defeating Benue Queens 3-0.
The Customs side overwhelmed their opponents 25-13 in the opening set before securing the second 25-21. They completed the sweep with a commanding 25-10 victory in the third set.
Fire Service recovered from losing the first set to defeat Olalomi Royal Angels 3-1.
Olalomi edged a closely contested opening set 26-24, but Fire Service fought back to claim the next three sets 27-25, 27-25 and 25-16.
CNS Spikers women produced the most emphatic victory of the day, crushing Excelsior 3-0.
The defending champions completely dominated proceedings, winning 25-10, 25-8 and 25-18.
The final women’s match produced another five-set thriller as Life Camp defeated NAF Rockets 3-2.
Life Camp claimed the opening two sets 25-22 and 25-21 before NAF Rockets mounted a comeback by winning the third and fourth sets 25-9 and 25-19 respectively.
However, Life Camp regrouped to secure the decisive fifth set 15-7.
