Sports
Hurdles the Super Eagles of Nigeria Must Cross Before Winning Nigeria’s Fourth AFCON Title
By Sylvanus Ofekun
The Super Eagles will face strong competition from other top African teams who are also determined to win the AFCON title. Teams like Egypt, Senegal, and Cameroon have proven to be formidable opponents in the past and will present significant challenges.
The Super Eagles must conquer the following hurdles if they must win Nigeria’s Fourth AFCON Title;
- Squad selection and team chemistry: It is important for the Super Eagles to select a well-balanced squad, comprising both experienced and young talented players. Building good team chemistry and cohesion will be crucial in achieving success at the AFCON tournament.
- Coaching and tactics: The Super Eagles Coach, Jose Pesiro must display skills, dexterity and effectively strategize,implement tactics that suit the team’s style of play. A clear game plan and effective communication will be pivotal for the team’s success.
- Mental and physical fitness: The players need to maintain high levels of physical fitness and mental focus throughout the tournament. Avoiding injuries and fatigue will be important factors in maintaining a competitive edge.
- Defensive solidity: The Super Eagles must address their defensive vulnerabilities to compete effectively. Strong defensive organization, solid goalkeeping performances, and disciplined defending will be essential in keeping opposition teams at bay.
- Efficient and clinical finishing: Nigeria will need to improve their attacking prowess and be more clinical in front of goal. Scoring goals consistently will give them an advantage in tight games and could be the difference between winning and losing.
- Maintaining consistency throughout the tournament: The Super Eagles must ensure they remain consistent throughout the tournament, avoiding complacency and taking every match seriously. They should not underestimate any opponent and approach each game with the same determination and focus.
- Effective set-piece execution: Proper execution of set-pieces can be a game-changer in tight contests. The Super Eagles must work on their set-piece routines, both defensively and offensively, to maximize their chances of success.
- Support from fans and public: The Super Eagles will need the support of Nigerians both on and off the pitch. The positive energy from fans, along with the belief and backing from the country, can provide an added boost to the players’ motivation and confidence.
- Managing pressure and expectations: Nigeria is a soccer-loving nation with high expectations for their national team. Handling pressure and managing expectations will be crucial for the Super Eagles to remain focused and perform at their best. They must not let the weight of expectation hinder their performance.
Thankfully, President Bola Tinubu has approved the payment of N12 billion owed to Nigeria’s national teams of various sports, which includes the Super Eagles.
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Sports
Customs CG Increases Prize Money as 2025 Volleyball League Final Phase Serves Off in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
As the final phase of the 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) National Volleyball Premier League for men and women commenced, with organisers reaffirming their commitment to improving player welfare, competition standards, and overall development of the sport in Nigeria.
Speaking at the press conference to mark the start of the final phase, the Customs Director General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who was represented at the event by the Secretary of Sports Nigeria Customs Service Samuel Onikeku expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the league’s debut last year.
According to the organisers, the CGC has insisted that players remain at the centre of the project, noting that 70% of last year’s budget went directly to athletes. Based on lessons from the maiden edition, several adjustments were made in 2025 to enhance welfare and fairness.
“One of the key improvements was the increase in team subsidies, which rose from ₦300,000 per team to ₦500,000.
“During the first phase of the 2025 league, a total of ₦24 million was disbursed—₦12 million to players and another ₦12 million to teams.
“The same amount will be released for the final phase, bringing the total subsidy for the season to ₦48 million.”
Onileku stressed that the Comptroller-General is particularly passionate about ensuring that players—“the main characters everyone comes to watch”—receive adequate compensation for their sacrifice and commitment. Beyond volleyball, the Customs CG is reportedly extending similar support to wrestling, football, and soon, athletics.
The prize money structure remains unchanged from last year, after the CG increased it from the initial ₦3m–₦2m–₦1m format to ₦5 million for the champions, ₦3 million for second place, and ₦2 million for third place.
He hinted that the prizes could still rise before the end of the tournament, noting that volleyball currently offers some of the highest rewards among team sports in Nigeria outside football.
Individual awards, each valued at ₦100,000, also remain intact.
In addition, the CG introduced a new category this year: the Most Disciplined Team Award for both men and women, reflecting his strong emphasis on discipline and sportsmanship.
Onikeku who is also an AFN Board Member expressed gratitude to members of the press for what they described as “100% support” during the African Clubs Championship, noting that widespread coverage—both English and French—helped elevate the sport’s visibility. They added that this was one of the reasons the CG of Customs was recently honoured as a grand patron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Onikeku thanked all stakeholders, expressing confidence that by the final, the league would once again record a successful outing.
Speaking also, the Representatives of Nigeria Volleyball NVBF the 2nd Vice President Arch Adamu Tenimu thanked the Nigeria Customs for the supports reaffirming that the Service remain as the sole sponsor of the league and a core partner in the sport’s broader development.
He praised the Customs Service for its continued commitment, noting that their involvement has been instrumental in elevating the Premier League to internationally acceptable standards.
“Customs has played a key role in bringing us to this level, and we will continue to appreciate and seek this kind of partnership,” he added.
Beyond the ongoing competition, the Federation announced a major structural shift in its calendar. Beginning next year, the NVBF will no longer conclude all major local competitions at the end of the year—when many athletes and officials are often preparing for holidays.
While giving Vote of Thanked, the NVBF board Member, Mrs Chinedu Odozor Onikeku expressed gratitude to the CGC Adeniyi, President, Board, and all stakeholders for their support and commitment throughout the season.
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