Sports

National Volleyball’s Super League Preparations on Course as Nigeria Customs Teams Eye African Success

Published

8 months ago

January 28, 2026

Joel Ajayi

Preparations for the upcoming NaVolleyball Super League for men and women are gathering momentum as teams intensify training and friendly matches in readiness for the new season.

The Director of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Samuel Onikeku, speaking on Wednesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams had been in camp in Gwagwalada before moving to the stadium for full training sessions.

According to him, recent friendly matches have shown clear progress, with the squads gradually getting into competitive shape ahead of the league.

“We are still going to play more friendly matches. These games will help us measure our level and prepare properly for upcoming international competitions like the Zone 3 Championship and the African Club Championships,” he said.

Outlining the long-term vision of the club, Onikeku explained that the major focus is no longer just domestic dominance, but continental success.

“Our target is not just to be national or regional champions, but to compete strongly in Africa. That is the direction we have started moving in.

“We have recruited about 10 players across our three teams to strengthen the squads and prepare for the African challenge,” he added.He noted that the new structure of the league system represents a major improvement, especially for Nigerian clubs preparing for continental competitions.

“For years, Nigerian clubs went to African club championships without playing enough competitive matches beforehand. Friendly games are not the same as competitive matches.

“With the league now aligned to international calendars, this will help close the gap between us and teams from North and West Africa who already have that competitive edge,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Head Coach of the Nigeria Customs Service female volleyball team, Coach Suleiman Ajeigbe, also expressed strong confidence in her squad’s readiness ahead of the Super League, describing the competition as a major step in the new board’s drive to reposition the league and improve continental performance.

Speaking on preparations, Coach said the team has responded positively to training and organisation, expressing satisfaction with the players’ commitment and development.

“So far, so good. I’m impressed with what I’ve seen from the girls. The Super Cup, being the first of its kind, is a good initiative by the new board, and it’s helping us build towards a more successful 2026 season,” he said.

The coach stressed that the team’s ambition now goes beyond domestic dominance, with a clear focus on Africa.

“It’s no longer enough to just win at the national level. The target is Africa. We have conquered Nigeria, and now our focus is on representing the country and the service strongly on the continent,” he added.

Reflecting on last season’s campaign, she noted that although the team finished strongly at home, the continental challenge remains the real test.
“This year is different. Our mindset has changed. We are rebuilding and restructuring with Africa in view, and we are determined to make Nigeria proud at the club championship level,” he stated.

Coach Ajeigbe also praised Comptroller General of of Customs Bashir Adeniyi team’s management for improved welfare and organisation, describing the training environment as highly motivating.

“The training has been impressive, and I must commend our management. The welfare of the players is well taken care of, and that makes a big difference in performance,” he concluded.

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

7 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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