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.

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