The Director of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Samuel Onikeku, has credited the agency’s sustained investment in player and coach development for the impressive performances of its men’s and women’s teams, both of which remained unbeaten after Day 11 of the ongoing 3rd Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League in Abuja.
Onikeku spoke after the customs men’s team recorded a hard-fought 3-1 victory over fellow title contenders CNS Spikers, while the women’s team cruised to a comfortable straight-set win over Olalomi Royal Angels to preserve their flawless records in the competition.
Key Highlights:
- Samuel Onikeku praised Customs’ player development programme.
- Customs men’s and women’s teams stayed unbeaten.
- Both teams recorded victories on Day 11.
- Onikeku credited coaching and player investment.
- Customs remain strong title contenders
The customs men’s side on Thursday, showed resilience and championship character against CNS Spikers. After dropping the opening set 21-25, they bounced back strongly to claim the next three sets 25-22, 25-19 and 25-15, securing their 10th consecutive victory of the campaign.
The result ensured that the customs men remained unbeaten in the first phase of the league, further strengthening their credentials as one of the strongest teams in the competition.
Earlier in the men’s category, NSCDC recorded a commanding 3-0 victory over Nigeria Police Force, winning 25-21, 25-18 and 25-22. UCEM VC also swept aside Ajase Ipo 3-0 with set scores of 25-23, 25-18 and 25-16.
Kano Pillars emerged victorious in one of the day’s most competitive encounters, edging Nigeria Correctional Service 3-2 in a thrilling five-set contest. Kano Pillars won the first set 25-20 before Correctional Service levelled with a 25-14 victory.
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Pillars reclaimed the lead with a 25-20 win in the third set, but Correctional Service forced a decider after taking the fourth set 25-17. Kano Pillars eventually sealed the match 15-12 in the deciding set.
Defence Spikers defeated Offa VC in straight sets, winning 25-16, 25-23 and 25-15, while COAS Spikers overwhelmed Sunshine Spikers 3-0 with dominant scores of 25-16, 25-13 and 25-7.
In the women’s category, Nigeria Customs Service also maintained its unbeaten run with a commanding 3-0 victory over Olalomi Royal Angels. Customs won 25-18, 25-22 and 25-7 to continue their perfect campaign.
COAS Spikers secured a straight-set victory over Fire Service, winning 25-23, 25-13 and 25-20, while NAF Rockets defeated Vipers Spikers 3-0 with scores of 27-25, 25-18 and 25-19.
NSCDC Women also recorded a convincing 3-0 triumph against Anambra Queens, taking the sets 25-15, 25-9 and 25-15. CNS Spikers brushed aside Kada Emeralds 3-0, winning 25-11, 25-12 and 25-16.
One of the most exciting matches in the women’s division saw Lifecamp VC come from behind to defeat Benue Queens 3-2.
After losing the opening set 14-25, Lifecamp responded by winning the second set 26-24. Benue Queens took the third set 25-21, but Lifecamp rallied to win the fourth set 25-19 before edging a tense deciding set 16-14.
Speaking after customs’ latest victories, Onikeku expressed satisfaction with the progress of the teams and praised the support of the comptroller-general of customs in developing sports within the service.
“We are so happy that our team lived up to expectations. First of all, I want to congratulate the CGC and its management. They have invested a lot in the development of our teams, starting with our coaches.
“We embarked on development programmes and sent coaches for Level 2 courses. The investment is beginning to show in our performances,” he said.
Onikeku noted that both the men’s and women’s teams have now won all 10 of their matches in the first phase.
He also defended the recruitment of experienced player Kadri, saying the addition was aimed at addressing specific technical gaps within the squad.
Reflecting on last season’s campaign, Onikeku said the customs were determined not to repeat the mistakes that denied them the league title.
He added that the club would continue strengthening both teams ahead of the next phase of the competition.
With only a few matches remaining in the first phase, both the men’s and women’s customs teams have placed themselves firmly in contention for league honours, with their unbeaten records reflecting months of preparation, strategic investment and a commitment to excellence.
