Sports

Customs, VIP Vipers Sharpen Tactics Ahead of 2026 CGC Volleyball Premier League

Published

3 weeks ago

October 14, 2026

Joel Ajayi

As the final phase of the 2026 CGC Volleyball Premier League serves off on October 16 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria Customs Service and VIP Vipers have intensified preparations, with their coaches expressing confidence ahead of the competition.

The teams stepped up their build-up with friendly matches on Wednesday, as the Nigeria Customs women’s team defeated VIP Vipers 3-1, while the men’s side secured a 3-0 victory over the Nigeria Correctional Service team.

Speaking ahead of the final phase, Nigeria Customs men’s team head coach, Jonah Adamu, said the team was determined to build on its performance in the first phase and accumulate maximum points.

Adamu attributed the team’s improvement to the encouragement and support it continued to receive from the Comptroller-General of Customs, as well as the friendly matches organised to help the players improve their performance.

He expressed appreciation to the Customs sports unit for facilitating the preparatory games, noting that the exercises had contributed significantly to the team’s development.

According to him, the team would approach every match with the determination to win, rather than focus on a particular opponent.

“We are not targeting any team; we are targeting the trophy. Whatever team comes our way, we will try to play our best volleyball and secure the maximum points,” Adamu said.

He also acknowledged the competitiveness of the league, expressing confidence that Customs would maintain its momentum in the second phase.

Similarly, the head coach of the Nigeria Customs women’s team, Suleiman Ajeegbe, said the players were ready for the challenge, adding that the team was determined to meet expectations.

Ajaegbe commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the team’s manager, Samuel Ikoko, for their support and commitment to the players’ welfare.

He explained that efforts to provide adequate accommodation, feeding and recovery conditions had helped the players prepare effectively for the demanding competition.

The coach acknowledged that the second phase would be highly competitive, with participating teams expected to improve their performances after the first phase.

He, however, assured that Customs would not relent in its pursuit of the title.

Meanwhile, Head Coach, Vipers and Partners Women’s Volleyball Club, Francisca Ikhiede, expressed optimism that her team would perform better in the second phase, citing the players’ commitment and the support they had received from the club’s sponsors and management.

Ikedhi said the team had been working hard in camp and had set its sights on finishing on the podium.

She added that the players were motivated, confident and in high spirits ahead of the competition.

The coach also said her playing experience with Nigeria Customs would help her guide the young VIP Vipers players, build their confidence and maximise their potential.

The final phase is expected to feature intense contests as teams battle for supremacy in the 2026 CGC Volleyball Premier League.

Beyond competition, the half marathon is expected to promote fitness, community engagement and tourism while showcasing Abuja’s landmarks and scenic routes.

The event also offers Nigerian long-distance runners an opportunity to compete alongside international athletes, improve their performances and prepare for continental and global competitions.

With preparations underway, the November 14 event is expected to bring together athletes and fitness enthusiasts in a celebration of endurance, unity and healthy living, further strengthening Abuja’s reputation as a destination for major sporting events.

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Sports

Nigeria Targets Grassroots Sports Revival as Tinubu’s Aide Adeboye Unveils National Sports Grassroots Summit

Published

18 hours ago

November 5, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeboye Adeyinka, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of grassroots sports development in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to prioritise youth empowerment, education and national development alongside medals and trophies.

Adeyinka stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference while announcing the 2026 National Grassroots Sports Summit, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The summit, with the theme, “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” is expected to bring together government officials, sports administrators, state and local government representatives, private-sector investors, development partners, coaches, athletes and other stakeholders.

The presidential aide stressed that sports development must be measured not only by international achievements but also by the number of young Nigerians whose lives are positively transformed through participation in sports.

He noted that while sporting excellence could lead some athletes to Olympic medals and World Cup glory, sports also offered millions of young people opportunities for education, personal development, employment and social inclusion.

“Sometimes, when we discuss sports development, we speak about stadiums, trophies, medals and international competitions.

“But I want us to remember that at the heart of every sporting achievement is a human being,” Adeyinka said.

He explained that participation in sports could help young Nigerians secure university scholarships, develop discipline, build confidence, acquire life skills and stay away from negative influences.

According to him, sports should be recognised as an important instrument for building character, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for young people, irrespective of their backgrounds.

On talent identification, Adeyinka expressed concern that Nigeria continues to lose potential sporting talents because many children lack access to adequate facilities, qualified coaches, encouragement and organised talent-discovery programmes.

He emphasised the need for an inclusive grassroots sports system that would provide equal opportunities for children in rural communities, public schools, underserved areas and different socioeconomic backgrounds.

The presidential aide maintained that a child’s sporting prospects should not be determined by geographical location, family background or connections to influential individuals.

He warned that without a coordinated approach to identifying and nurturing young talents, the country could continue to miss opportunities to discover future champions.

Adeyinka said the forthcoming summit was designed to develop a sustainable national framework for identifying, nurturing and supporting sporting talents across the 774 local government areas.

He added that the gathering would seek practical solutions to the challenges affecting grassroots sports administration rather than focus solely on speeches and ceremonial activities.

A major objective, he explained, was to move away from fragmented talent-discovery initiatives towards a coordinated national structure connecting school and community competitions with clubs, national competitions and international sporting opportunities.

The two-day summit will deliberate on five key areas: sports participation, talent development, infrastructure, the sports economy and international pathways.

Adeyinka expressed optimism that the recommendations from the summit would provide a roadmap for strengthening grassroots sports development, expanding youth participation and positioning sports as a viable contributor to Nigeria’s economic and social development.

He called on relevant stakeholders to support the initiative and work collectively towards building a sustainable grassroots sports system capable of identifying and developing talents across the country.

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