Volleyball: Nigeria Customs Rally Past Defending Champions CNS Spikers at CGC Premier League

Volleyball: Nigeria Customs Rally Past Defending Champions CNS Spikers at CGC Premier League

By BSN Sports 

The Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club produced a spirited comeback to defeat defending champions CNS Spikers 3-1 in one of the standout matches of the ongoing 3rd CGC Volleyball Premier League in Abuja on Thursday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

CNS Spikers made a bright start, claiming the opening set 25-21 to put the former league champions under early pressure.

However, Customs responded with renewed determination, taking control of the contest by winning the second set 25-21 before edging a closely contested third set 25-22. They completed the turnaround in emphatic fashion, dominating the fourth set 25-15 to secure an impressive 3-1 victory.

Speaking after the match, Director of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, credited the team's success to strategic planning, sustained investment and the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the service's management.

"We are very happy with this result and the performance of the team. First, I must congratulate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management for their unwavering support," Onikeku said.

He explained that Customs had embarked on a deliberate long-term development programme, including advanced coaching education and increased exposure through international competitions.

"We have invested heavily in this team, starting with our coaches. Last year, we began a development programme that saw our coaches travel abroad for Level 2 certification courses, and the last coach recently returned. These preparations are part of our long-term vision.

"Our goal is clear—we want to conquer Africa, and this is part of that journey. We are pushing hard and will not underestimate any opponent."

Onikeku noted that the club's priority is to accumulate enough points during the first phase of the league, having fallen short last season due to inconsistent early performances.

"We want to gather enough points in this phase to make the second phase easier for us. Last season, we lost the league because we did not perform well enough in the first phase, so we deliberately worked harder this time," he said.

He added that participation in the Zone 3 Championship and an international training tour in Kigali had played a significant role in the team's preparation.

"We took the team to Zone 3 competitions and also to Kigali for exposure and preparation, and what you are seeing now is the result of that investment."

Onikeku also highlighted the impact of new signings, saying the additions had strengthened the squad and addressed key areas of need.

"We also strengthened the team with quality additions, bringing in players who can solve specific problems. They have integrated well and improved the squad significantly.

"Our players understand that they must continue to raise their standards. They have achieved a lot, but there is still much more to accomplish.

"The Comptroller-General continues to set high standards for us, and we have no choice but to align with that vision and keep striving for excellence in sports for the Nigeria Customs Service and for Nigeria."Alternative headlines: