Sports

Nigeria Customs clinches gold at 2024 National Beach Volleyball Star Tour

Published

2 years ago

November 16, 2024

… men’s team wins 2nd position

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) women’s beach volleyball team has emerged victorious at the 2024 National Beach Volleyball Star Tour, held in Bauchi.

The NCS women’s team, led by captain Tochukwu Nnoruga, triumphed in an intense final match at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, overcoming the Kada Emeralds 2-1 in a gripping contest.

The final scoreline of 19-21, 25-23, 15-9 reflected the determination and resilience of the Customs team, who were unbeaten throughout both the first and second phases of the Star Tour.

Despite losing the opening set 19-21, Tochukwu Nnoruga and her partner, Francesca Ikihide, displayed remarkable teamwork and grit to recover, taking the next two sets in thrilling fashion to clinch the championship.

In a post-match interview, Samuel Onikeku, the Sports Secretary of the Nigeria Customs Service, expressed his pride in the team’s performance and highlighted the significant role played by the leadership of the NCS in their success.

“This victory is not just a reflection of the hard work and skill of the players, but also the continuous support we’ve received from our leadership. We are very proud of our women’s team, who have shown exceptional resilience and teamwork,” Onikeku stated.

Onikeku also extended gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his consistent backing of the team as well as dedicating the trophy to the CG and his management.

“We owe a great deal of this success to the leadership of the Comptroller General, who has been a pillar of support for the team. His commitment to ensuring the growth and development of sports within the Nigeria Customs Service has been invaluable,” he added.

The victory not only solidifies the NCS women’s team’s dominance in the competition but also signals the growing prominence of beach volleyball in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the NCS men’s team also delivered an impressive performance, finishing second in the Star Tour.

Though they were narrowly edged out in the final standings, their efforts were commendable, and they remain a team to watch in future tournaments.

Onikeku said the victory serves as an important milestone in preparation for the final phase of the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League, where the NCS teams, both men’s and women’s, are expected to compete for more trophies.

“This triumph in the Star Tour is just the beginning. It’s part of our broader preparation for the upcoming phase of the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League, where we are aiming for even greater success and more trophies,” Onikeku emphasized.

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Sports

NHF President, Board Celebrate Prof. Ediga Agbo’s Sultan Azlan Shah Award

Published

7 mins ago

October 24, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engineer Simon Nkom, and members of the federation’s board have congratulated Professor Ediga Agbo on his recognition with the Sultan Azlan Shah Award for his contributions to hockey development in Nigeria.

The recognition comes as the 50th International Hockey Federation (FIH) Congress gets underway in Doha, Qatar, with 112 National Associations in attendance. The congress provides a platform for hockey stakeholders from across the world to discuss the development, growth and future of the game.

Nigeria’s participation, led by Nkom and members of the NHF board, reflects the federation’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration, building strategic partnerships and exploring opportunities to improve the standard of hockey in the country.

Speaking on Professor Agbo’s recognition, Nkom commended his dedication to hockey development, particularly his efforts in mentoring young umpires and building capacity in officiating. He also expressed appreciation to the international hockey community for recognising Agbo’s contributions to the sport.

“Professor Ediga Agbo’s recognition is a proud moment for Nigerian hockey. His commitment to developing the game, particularly through mentoring young umpires, deserves commendation. We appreciate the hockey community for recognising his contributions, and we hope this honour will inspire more stakeholders to invest in the growth of hockey in Nigeria.”

Professor Agbo, in his response, expressed gratitude to the hockey community for the recognition, describing the award as encouragement to continue contributing to the development of the sport. He also acknowledged the support of the NHF, fellow officials and other stakeholders who have contributed to his journey in hockey.

“I am deeply grateful to the hockey community for this recognition. I see this award as an encouragement to continue contributing to hockey development in Nigeria, particularly through mentoring young umpires and sharing knowledge with the next generation of officials. I appreciate the Nigeria Hockey Federation, my colleagues and everyone who has supported the growth of the game.”

Professor Agbo’s recognition highlights the importance of mentorship, knowledge-sharing and sustained commitment to developing hockey officials.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s participation in the 50th FIH Congress offers an opportunity to deepen international relationships, exchange ideas and promote collaborations aimed at expanding the reach and improving the standard of hockey in the country.

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