Sports
Why We Are Injecting Young Blood in the Customs Team – Onikeku
Joel Ajayi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is undergoing a strategic renewal of its women’s volleyball team as part of efforts to reclaim dominance on the African volleyball stage.
The NCS Head of Sports, Samuel Onikeku, said that, the ongoing revamp is focused on infusing young talent to address performance gaps and ensure long-term competitiveness.
Speaking in Abuja at the conclusion of a rigorous two-week screening and selection exercise, Onikeku explained the rationale behind the recruitment of younger players into the squad.
“Injecting young blood into the team is a deliberate step,” Onikeku said. “We observed that since our impressive outing at the 2021 African Club Championship, we’ve struggled to maintain that level. This screening allowed us to identify areas we fell short in the past and bring in players who can offer the energy, hunger, and technical depth needed to succeed again.”
He emphasized the need to avoid the kind of mass retirement that recently affected the men’s team, leaving a vacuum in experience and continuity. “We don’t want the same thing to happen to the women’s team. That’s why we’ve taken this proactive step—bringing in promising young athletes who can grow into the system and secure the team’s future.”
The selection process saw an initial pool of 20 players screened, with 16 advancing based on performance and potential. Onikeku noted that the final list of successful players would be announced soon.
“We are not just building a team for the next competition; we are building a team for sustained success,” he added. “When the next African Club Championship comes around, the volleyball world will see a different Customs team—young, dynamic, and proudly Nigerian.”
Supporting Onikeku’s position, Coach Ajaegbe, one of the team’s technical staff, acknowledged that the last outing at the African Club Championship did not reflect the team’s true strength. However, he said the new direction signals a turning point.
“Our aim is to produce a team that Africa will admire—a team that showcases Nigeria’s potential and spirit,” Ajaegbe stated. “We’re developing these young players technically and tactically to meet the standards that Customs is known for.”
He reiterated that only players who meet the high standards of the Nigeria Customs Service will be selected, expressing confidence in the future of the squad.
“With what we’ve seen from these young players, the future looks promising,” Ajaegbe affirmed. With renewed energy, clear planning, and a strong focus on youth development, the Nigeria Customs women’s volleyball team is poised for a powerful comeback on the African stage.
Sports
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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