Sports
Volleyball: Customs edge closer to 2024 CGC title with victory over CNS
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) women’s volleyball team delivered a stunning performance to edge closer to the coveted 2024 Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League in Abuja title.
Customs defeated the defending champions, CNS Spikers, 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-19) in a thrilling encounter at Moshood Abiola Stadium’s indoor sports hall on Tuesday.
This victory was a significant moment for the Nigeria Customs Service, former champions of the prestigious league. Customs have now put themselves in a prime position to challenge for the title again, showing determination and skill many had been waiting to see throughout the competition.
CNS Spikers, who came into the match as the defending champions, struggled to find their rhythm against the relentless attacks and solid defense of Customs. Despite their best efforts, the Spikers couldn’t overcome the disciplined and well-coordinated play from their opponents, allowing the Nigeria Customs Service to dominate all three sets.
The Sports Secretary of the Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, praised the team’s outstanding performance.
He commended the players for their focus and resilience, as well as the technical crew for their strategic preparation.
“This is a big step towards reclaiming our title,” Onikeku said.
“The players have shown excellent teamwork and commitment. We knew CNS Spikers would be a tough team to beat, but the players remained focused and executed our game plan perfectly. Their confidence on the court was evident, and it’s clear they’ve been working hard behind the scenes.”
Onikeku also emphasized the importance of mental preparation in the team’s success.
“We focused a lot on mental strength. The team maintained their composure, even when CNS Spikers tried to mount a comeback. It’s crucial to stay focused and not let emotions take over, and today, the players did that remarkably well.”
Reflecting on the team’s journey so far, Onikeku expressed optimism for the rest of the tournament.
“We are not resting on our laurels. This is just one step towards our ultimate goal of winning the title. The technical crew has been putting in tremendous effort to prepare the players, and we know that with continued discipline and hard work, we can go all the way. We will keep pushing forward, and the players are ready for whatever challenge comes next.”
Sports
NSC Swiftly Activates ‘Adopt-an-Athlete’ Training Grant Initiative To Support Brume After Car Crash
…commends Confetti Assets Limited for partnership and support
By Joel Ajayi
National Sports Commission ,NSC, under the leadership of its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has activated the Adopt-an-Athlete Training Grant initiative with its first recipient being Nigerian track and field star, Ese Brume, following her recent involvement in a ghastly car accident.
Speaking at an event to mark the partnership with Confetti Assets Limited, the NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko commended Confetti Assets Limited for its generous support. He reiterated the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drive sports development in Nigeria through a sustainable Public Private Partnership ,PPP, model.
“We must create a system that does not solely depend on government funding but rather leverages private sector partnerships to achieve a thriving sports economy”, Dikko said.
On his part , the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to athlete welfare and development.
“While we were strategizing, something unfortunate happened to Ese Brume. She was involved in a ghastly motor accident, but to God be the glory, her life was spared”, Olopade said.
“When we spoke, I asked her what I could tell the Chairman to do for her immediately.
She made me proud when she said, ‘All I need right now is whatever the Commission can give me as a training grant to help me buy a small vehicle so I can continue my training because I want to win the World Championship in September next year.’ That touched me deeply”, Olopade said.
The DG explained that the Commission has activated an innovative approach to raising funds for athlete development, elite sports, and grassroots initiatives.
“We have an ingenious way of raising funds through donations. With the Chairman’s approval, we approached key stakeholders, particularly contractors involved in developing sports infrastructure nationwide. We told them it was time they started donating to a fund dedicated to grassroots development, elite athletes, and federations”, he revealed.
“Confetti Assets Limited and Faisa were the first to support this initiative, and today, we are here to celebrate these patriotic Nigerians who understand Mr. President’s vision and the mandate of our Chairman. We want to ensure that, in the near future, our athletes will have no excuse to say they were not supported”, Olopade added.
The Director-General described the moment as symbolic, as it marked the official rollout of the Adopt-the-Athlete initiative under the new NSC, with Brume as its first beneficiary.
“Today is very significant as we collect the first training grant for the first athlete in a program we plan to launch fully in February 2025. And that first athlete is none other than Ese Brume, arguably one of the most decorated athletes Nigeria has ever produced”, Olopade declared.
On his part, the Chairman of Confetti Assets Limited, Mr. Benjamin Jonathan Ngoka, expressed his commitment to the initiative, pledging continued support for Nigeria’s sports sector.
“We are happy to key into this new vision for Nigerian sports. We understand the mandate of the National Sports Commission and will continue to play our part in supporting athletes and the broader vision of sports development,” Ngoka said.
The Adopt-the-Athlete initiative aims to provide financial support for Nigerian athletes’ training and development, ensuring they have the resources needed to compete at the highest levels of global sports.
With the backing of strategic partners like Confetti Assets Limited, the initiative is expected to significantly impact the careers of elite and grassroots athletes alike.
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