The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has announced plans to rebuild the male volleyball team ahead of the 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League.
Adeniyi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that rebuilding the team required involving young, active players to strengthen the squad for the next season.
He emphasised the importance of revitalising the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) male volleyball team, which would represent Nigeria in upcoming continental championships.
“For volleyball and other sports, youthfulness is crucial. The team needs energetic, determined, focused, and dedicated players,” Adeniyi said.
He noted that in the past two to three years, the team had failed to qualify for major tournaments, mainly due to the aging player base.
“The aging factor is affecting not just the male team but our operations across the board,” Adeniyi explained, stressing the need to replace older players with fresh talent.
The CGC also congratulated the NCS female team for their outstanding performance during the championship.
“We celebrate the female team for emerging champions in their category.
“Both the male and female teams will represent Nigeria in the continental championships next edition,” he said.
Adeniyi expressed his excitement over the successful completion of the league, commending the opportunity to support the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) and its participants.
“As a sponsor, I thank God for enabling us to support the NVBF, coaches, and athletes, including the 600 players who participated from across the country,” he said.
Adeniyi highlighted that the league not only provided a platform for athletes but also helped divert young people away from criminal activities.
He emphasised his commitment to the development of volleyball in Nigeria, saying, “I am focused on growing the game in the country.”
NAN reports that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) female team won the 2024 Comptroller General of Customs Volleyball Premier League, finishing first in the women’s category.
In the men’s competition, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Spikers clinched the championship with 56 points, followed by Offa VC and Kada VC in second and third places.
The NPF finished fourth in the men’s category with 43 points, while the COAS Spikers came fifth. NCS men’s team secured sixth place with 37 points.
A total of 24 teams, including 12 male and 12 female teams, participated in the 2024 CGC Volleyball Premier League held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
