Customs Name Ogownma Captain as Champions Prepare Title Defence

Posted : 31 July 2026

Defending champions Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Volleyball Club have announced a new leadership structure for their women's team ahead of the second phase of the 2026 Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League.

National team libero Bethel Ogownma has been appointed captain of the side, with Maryam Ibrahim named first assistant captain, while Toyosi Abdulraheem and Verity Onyegwu will serve as second assistant captains.

Head of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, said the appointments followed changes within the squad after the arrival of new players and the club's successful title-winning campaign last season.

"Bethel Ogownma is the new captain and will be assisted by Maryam Ibrahim as first assistant captain, while Toyosi Abdulraheem and Verity Onyegwu will serve as second assistant captains," Onikeku said.

He expressed appreciation to the outgoing leadership group for guiding the team to an unbeaten triumph in the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League, adding that former captain Rafiat Mustapha would now serve among the female coordinators appointed by the club.

"I want to thank the previous captains for their efforts last season and for leading the team to win the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League unbeaten. Rafiat Mustapha will join the female coordinators appointed last season," he added.

Onikeku noted that the Nigeria Customs Service currently tops the women's standings after the first phase of the 2026 league and expressed confidence that the team would successfully defend its title.

"The Nigeria Customs Service is currently topping the women's category after the first phase. We strengthened the squad before the start of the league, while some players also moved to other teams. The team is ready to defend its title and perform even better in the second phase," he said.

He also commended Nigeria Volleyball Federation board members Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) and James Datuhun for their continued contributions to the growth of volleyball in Nigeria.

"I want to commend the continuous efforts of NVBF board members Chinedu Onikeku and James Datuhun for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of volleyball in Nigeria. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed by athletes and coaches across the country," he said.

Ogownma brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having been named the Best Women's Libero at the 2024 CGC Volleyball Premier League and the Best Libero at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Volleyball Championship in Accra.

Her deputy, Maryam Ibrahim, has also enjoyed an impressive career, helping Nigeria Customs win the 2024 and 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League titles. She was named Best Outside Hitter in 2024, Best Receiver in 2025, and also finished third with her team at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Championship in Ghana.

With a refreshed leadership structure and a squad sitting atop the league standings, Nigeria Customs Service will be aiming to maintain its impressive form as it pursues another CGC Volleyball Premier League title. The club remains confident that its experienced players and new leadership team will guide the champions to continued success.

Customs Name Ogownma Captain as Champions Prepare Title Defence

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