Sports
Customs, VIP Vipers Volleyball Teams Gear Up for Africa Showdown, Thumbs CGC’s Support
By Joel Ajayi
With solid preparation, improved squad depth, and strong institutional backing, the female volleyball teams of the Nigeria Customs Service and VIP Vipers are poised to make a significant impact on the continental stage as they gear up for the 2026 Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship in Cairo.
The tournament, scheduled for April 11 to 24, will feature top club sides from across the continent and is organised by the Confederation of African Volleyball. Both teams head into the competition determined to improve on their previous performances.
Speaking during a training session on Monday in Gwagwalada Abuja, the Director of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, said preparations began immediately after last year’s championship, where the team finished ninth.
According to him, our teams have recorded steady progress, last season Customs Ladies are the champion of Nigeria Volleyball Premier league while VIP Vipers emerges as Winner of Division one league unbeaten
“Both teams also featured in the just concluded Zone 3 Africa Club Championship and they did well.
“Our immediate target is to reach the quarterfinals and rank among the top eight teams in Africa. That would mark clear progress. From there, we can push for a semifinal place, while our long-term ambition is to compete for the title,” Onikeku stated.
He added that the inclusion of quality players has strengthened the squads, boosting confidence ahead of the championship.
“We represent Nigeria, and we must consistently rank among the best in Africa. The players understand this responsibility and are ready to deliver,” he said.
Onikeku also commended the leadership of the Customs management under the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for sustained investment in sports development, noting that the support has greatly enhanced team performance.
Coach of the Customs women’s team, Sulieman Ajaegbe, expressed optimism, praising the technical crew and management for their commitment.
“With the level of preparation and support we’ve received, we are confident of surpassing last year’s performance. The team is young, agile, and motivated, with players who have gained valuable international exposure,” he said.
Team captain, Rofiat Mustapha, also appreciated the leadership for its unwavering backing.
“We have trained intensively and built strong team chemistry. Our goal is to go out there and make Nigeria proud,” she said.
Similarly, VIP Vipers head coach, Francisca Ikhiede, commended the sponsors for providing the needed support and motivation.
“The players are focused, motivated, and ready for the challenge. This is our first appearance at the African Club Championship, and we are determined to compete strongly and represent our country with pride,” she said.
Ikhiede noted that despite the youthful nature of the team, the players possess the quality and determination to excel.
“I don’t see it as pressure, but as a push to deliver. Preparations have been excellent, and we are confident of making a strong impact,” she added.
On her own, Captain of VIP Vipers, Esther Mbah Onyinye, expressed excitement ahead of the tournament, drawing from her previous experience of finishing second in a major competition.
“It was a great experience reaching the final against strong opponents. That has prepared me for this stage, and I believe I can make a meaningful contribution,” she said.
With strong backing, thorough preparation, and determined squads, both Nigeria Customs and VIP Vipers are set to fly Nigeria’s flag high in Cairo and challenge for continental honours.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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