Sports

Adeniyi Lauds Rising Quality of 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League, Pledges Deeper Collaboration with NVBF

Published

10 months ago

December 14, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), has commended the high level of organisation, competitiveness, and sponsorship that characterised the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League, which concluded in grand style on Saturday, December 13, in Abuja.

Speaking with journalists after the final matches, Dr. Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of the league, describing its structure and execution as “top-notch” and the level of competition as “highly impressive.”
According to him, the improved quality of the domestic league is already translating into stronger performances by Nigerian teams on the continental stage.
“The quality of the league is clearly reflecting in the performances of our teams in Africa. Nigeria Customs and the Nigerian Navy have continued to do well in continental competitions because the league provides a solid foundation,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2026 edition, the Customs boss called for more off-season competitions to keep players match-fit and increase their exposure. He also disclosed plans for closer collaboration with the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) to organise additional tournaments, including beach volleyball events, as part of preparations for continental championships.

Dr. Adeniyi further stressed the need for Nigerian clubs to strengthen their squads through the recruitment of foreign players to boost competitiveness. He cited the Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club’s recruitment of players from Ghana and the Benin Republic, while revealing ongoing scouting efforts in Rwanda.

He also praised the Nigerian Navy Volleyball team and disclosed plans to engage the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) to further strengthen the team ahead of future continental engagements.

“I congratulate all the participating teams. In my view, they are all winners. I also commend the NVBF for its professionalism and dedication in organising a successful league,” he said.

Dr. Adeniyi revealed that the Nigeria Customs Service spent ₦48 million as subsidies to support teams during the just-concluded championship. He added that individual awards, each worth ₦100,000, were introduced, while teams placed from fourth to 12th received ₦500,000 each.

According to him, third-placed teams earned ₦2 million, runners-up received ₦3 million, while champions in both the men’s and women’s categories went home with ₦5 million each.

In his remarks, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Musa Nimrod, described the 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs Volleyball Premier League as a major success, noting that it ended on a high note.

He expressed optimism about the future of volleyball in Nigeria and announced the return of the Super Cup in January 2026, signalling renewed growth and development for the sport.

In the women’s category, the COAS team finished third to claim ₦2 million, CNS placed second with ₦3 million, while NCS emerged champions, securing ₦5 million and completing a historic three-peat, having won the title in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

In the men’s category, NCOS claimed third place and ₦2 million for their first-ever podium finish, NCS finished second with ₦3 million, while CNS clinched the title and ₦5 million, also achieving back-to-back championship victories.

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Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

9 hours ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

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