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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