Sports

Men’s Trials for Nigeria Customs Service Team Kick Off July 19

Published

5 months ago

July 18, 2025

After the successful conclusion of the women’s trial, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Sports Unit is set to conduct men’s trials ahead of the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League.

According to Samuel Onikeku, head of sports NSC, the men’s trial is scheduled from 19th to 29th July at the Nigeria Customs Service Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Gwagwalada, FCT, with arrival on Saturday.

Onikeku revealed that the NCS aims to rebuild the men’s team and bring it back to winning ways, just as the women’s team.

He explained that NCS team has won the Nigerian volleyball league thrice but fell short due to the retirement of players and others embarking on coaching courses.

He said, “As you are aware, the men’s team has been three-time champions of the Nigerian league, but due to the retirement of some of the senior players, some went into coaching, a gap occurred which made other teams capitalise on it.

“To return to winning ways and make the service proud, an opportunity is given to every best player in the country to come for the trials.

“Before the retirement of some of the players, the men’s team has always been among the top three teams in the country.

“All the players would be given equal opportunities to prove themselves before a final selection is made.”

Onikeku urged the players to exhibit a high level of discipline during the trials, as accommodation, transportation and feeding would be provided like the women’s trials.

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Sports

Horse Racing Federation, National Coordinator Mustapha, Lauds NTA Sports 24 for Honouring Horse Racing Development

Published

2 mins ago

December 18, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The National Coordinator Nigeria Horse Racing Federation, Abubakar Dangi Mustapha, has expressed deep appreciation to NTA Sports 24 for the award and honour bestowed on him in recognition of his contributions to the promotion and development of horse racing in Nigeria.

Mustapha was among the distinguished awardees at the NTA Sports 24 Awards and Celebration Night, an event that celebrated outstanding individuals and organisations making significant impacts across various sports in the country.

Speaking after receiving the award, Mustapha described the honour as a recognition of the consistent programmes and initiatives the Horse Racing Federation has implemented over the years to create awareness and grow interest in the sport nationwide.

According to him, the federation has remained committed to repositioning horse racing as a major sporting and cultural attraction in Nigeria through structured competitions, grassroots engagement, and improved organisation of racing events.

He also commended NTA Sports 24 for its continued media support, noting that the partnership with the sports channel has helped bring increased visibility to horse racing, reaching a wider audience across the country.

“With the support of the media, especially NTA Sports 24, horse racing is beginning to get the mileage it deserves. This recognition encourages us to do even more to take the sport to the next level,” Mustapha said.

He further assured stakeholders and enthusiasts that the federation would continue to work towards developing the sport, creating opportunities for young talents, and strengthening horse racing as a viable and sustainable sport in Nigeria.

The NTA Sports 24 Maiden of Year Party and Awards Night brought together key stakeholders in Nigerian sports, celebrating excellence, dedication, and long-term contributions to sports development across the nation.

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