Customs Eye CGC Volleyball League Crown as Fire Service Build for Future

Posted : 27 October 2026

Nigeria Customs Service are targeting the 2026 CGC Volleyball Premier League title after an impressive run in the final phase, while the Fire Service head coach has expressed optimism about his young team’s development despite their limited experience.

Customs head coach, Abdullahi Salisu, stated his ambition after his side defeated Fire Service 3-0 in the women’s category at the Indoor Sports Hall of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Salisu attributed the team’s progress to the encouragement of the Comptroller-General of Customs and the service’s sports secretary, noting that sponsorship had also created opportunities for international exposure.

He said the experience gained from such support had contributed significantly to the team’s improvement, with Customs determined to maintain their momentum in the race for the title.

“Because of the sponsorship we are getting, we are improving. From all indications, it seems we are going to win. We still have three more matches. Every point and every match is important for us, but that is our target,” he said.

While Customs are pursuing the title, Fire Service are using the competition to develop their relatively inexperienced players against more established opponents.

The Fire Service head coach described the tournament as a valuable learning experience, explaining that most members of his squad were making their first appearance in a league competition.

He noted that his players had been competing against opponents with between two and six years of experience, despite having less than six months of experience themselves.

“My team is a young side, inexperienced and upcoming. This is our first league participation, eventually, for most of my players too,” he said.

The coach expressed satisfaction with the players’ commitment and progress, describing their performances as encouraging despite the gulf in experience.

He also commended the standard of officiating, describing it as fair while acknowledging occasional human imperfections.

However, he identified inadequate funding and limited institutional support as major obstacles to the team’s development, particularly in recruiting experienced players who could strengthen their attacking options.

According to him, the technical crew has concentrated on teaching basic skills and tactical awareness, including ball control, covering, spiking, and adapting to opponents with different physical attributes and playing styles.

“We do not have these experienced players who could give in our attack to get what we are looking for, but with what we have, we are building.

“Even with that, I am impressed with their performance and their upcoming. That feeling, that spirit, is an encouraging one,” he said.

Day 11 Results

In the men’s category, Nigeria Customs Service defeated Kano Pillars 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 28-26), while COAS Spikers beat UCEM VC 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-18).

Defence Spikers overcame Life Camp 3-1 (25-23, 25-19, 25-27, 25-21), while NSCDC defeated Offa VC 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-21).

Nigeria Police Force swept past Sunshine Spikers 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-21), while Nigeria Correctional Service defeated Ajase Ipo 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-23).

In the women’s category, VIP Spikers beat Excelsior VC 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-19), while COAS Spikers defeated Kada Emeralds 3-0 (25-15, 25-12, 25-19).

Customs recorded a commanding 3-0 victory over Fire Service (25-7, 25-11, 25-15), while CNS Spikers survived a spirited NSCDC comeback to win 3-2 (25-23, 25-15, 23-25, 25-27, 15-10).

NAF Rockets recovered from losing the opening set to defeat Benue Queens 3-1 (23-25, 26-24, 25-14, 25-19), while Life Camp VC overcame Anambra Queens 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-22).

All Day 11 matches were played at the Indoor Sports Hall of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the final phase continued, with teams pursuing crucial victories in the battle for league honours.

Customs Eye CGC Volleyball League Crown as Fire Service Build for Future

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