Exciting rallies, dominant displays and dramatic comebacks highlighted Day Five of the first phase of the 2026 Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League at the Package B Indoor Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Key highlight:
5 Key Points Summary
- Nigeria Customs teams remained unbeaten, with both the men’s and women’s sides recording dominant straight-set victories.
- Defence Spikers produced the comeback of the tournament, rallying from two sets down to defeat Ajase Ipo 3-2.
- NAF Rockets secured a 3-1 victory over Fire Service, recovering after losing the opening set.
- Anambra Queens edged Benue Queens 3-2 in one of the most exciting and closely contested matches of the day.
- Competition for points and qualification spots is intensifying as the first phase of the 2026 CGC Volleyball Premier League progresses.
Thursday’s action featured several impressive performances across the men’s and women’s divisions, with the Nigeria Customs Service teams maintaining their unbeaten rhythm while Defence Spikers produced a sensational comeback from two sets down to claim one of the competition’s most memorable victories.
In the women’s category, NAF Rockets rallied from an opening-set defeat to overcome Fire Service 3-1. After losing the first set 23-25, the Air Force side responded with determination, taking the next three sets 26-24, 25-15 and 25-23.
Defending champions Nigeria Customs Service women continued their dominance, sweeping aside Kada Emeralds in straight sets. Customs were in complete control throughout the contest, recording a convincing 25-16, 25-9 and 25-12 victory.
Anambra Queens and Benue Queens produced one of the tournament’s most entertaining contests. Anambra recovered from trailing 2-1 to force a deciding set before edging their opponents 15-11 to complete a thrilling 3-2 win. The set scores were 25-22, 13-25, 22-25, 25-14 and 15-11.
In the men’s fixtures, Life Camp Volleyball Club recorded a straight-set victory over Sunshine Spikers, winning 25-22, 26-24 and 25-18.
Nigeria Customs Service also continued their impressive campaign with another commanding performance, defeating Nigeria Correctional Service 25-16, 25-17 and 25-17.
Kano Pillars recovered after dropping the second set to defeat NSCDC 3-1. Following a 25-18 opening-set victory and a 21-25 setback, the Kano side responded strongly to claim the final two sets 25-19 and 25-21.
CNS Spikers also secured a comfortable 3-0 win over UCEM Volleyball Club, taking the sets 25-15, 25-10 and 25-22.
The biggest drama of the day unfolded in the clash between Ajase Ipo and Defence Spikers. Ajase Ipo appeared on course for victory after taking the opening two sets 27-25 and 25-19, but Defence Spikers mounted an inspired fightback, winning the next three sets 25-14, 25-19 and 15-11 to complete a remarkable 3-2 comeback.
Meanwhile, Life Camp VC head coach Hatem Amro, reflecting on his side’s earlier Day Four victory over Excelsior VC, said his players are beginning to settle into life in Nigeria’s top-flight volleyball league.
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“It’s our first experience in the Premier League, so it was a little bit shaky,” Amro said.
“They are trying to understand each other, but the boys are hungry to win, and they promised today to win.
“We allowed them to play freely. Let them enjoy themselves, express themselves on the court and reap the rewards of their hard work.”
As the first phase of the league gathers pace, the battle for valuable points and qualification positions is expected to become even more intense in the coming days.
