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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