The Nigeria Customs Service produced a superb comeback to defeat defending champions CNS Spikers 3-1 in one of the standout matches of the 3rd CGC Volleyball Premier League in Abuja on Thursday.
After dropping the opening set, Customs showed resilience and quality to turn the contest around, underlining their title credentials with an impressive victory over the reigning champions.
CNS Spikers made the brighter start, claiming the first set 25-21 to put Customs under early pressure. However, the former champions responded in emphatic fashion, levelling the match by taking the second set by the same 25-21 scoreline.
With momentum firmly on their side, Customs edged a fiercely contested third set 25-22 before dominating the fourth 25-15 to complete a deserved 3-1 comeback victory.
Reacting to the result, the Director of Sports of the Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, hailed the team’s fighting spirit and credited the victory to the sustained investment made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the service’s management.
“We are delighted with both the result and the team’s performance. I must commend the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management for their unwavering support,” Onikeku said.
He revealed that Customs had implemented a long-term development strategy centred on improving the technical crew and exposing the players to high-level competition.
“We have invested significantly in this team, beginning with our coaches. Last year, we enrolled them on Level Two certification courses abroad, and the final coach has just returned. These preparations are part of our long-term vision.”
Onikeku said the Service’s ambition extends beyond domestic success.
“Our objective is to conquer Africa, and this is another step towards achieving that goal. We will continue to approach every match with seriousness because we cannot afford to underestimate any opponent.”
He added that Customs were determined to secure maximum points during the opening phase of the league after lessons learned from last season.
“We missed out on the league title because we did not perform well enough in the first phase. This time, we have worked much harder to ensure we build a strong foundation.”
According to him, participation in the Zone 3 Championship and an intensive training programme in Kigali, Rwanda, have contributed significantly to the team’s improved performances.
He also highlighted the recruitment of quality players to strengthen key areas of the squad, insisting the additions have blended seamlessly into the team.
“Our players know they must continue raising their standards. They have achieved a lot, but there is still much more to accomplish. The Comptroller-General has set very high standards, and we remain committed to pursuing excellence for the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigerian sport.”
