Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club produced an impressive comeback to defeat defending champions CNS Spikers 3-1 in one of the standout fixtures of the ongoing third CGC Volleyball Premier League in Abuja.
CNS Spikers started strongly and claimed the opening set 25-21 to put the former league champions under early pressure. Customs, however, responded with determination and gradually took control of the contest.
The Nigeria Customs side levelled the match by winning the second set 25-21 before edging a competitive third set 25-22. They completed the turnaround in dominant fashion, cruising to a 25-15 victory in the fourth set to seal an impressive 3-1 win and strengthen their position in the competition.
Following the victory, Director of Sports for the Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, praised the players for their performance and credited the result to careful planning, sustained investment and the continued support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, along with the service's management.
Onikeku said the club had adopted a long-term development strategy aimed at building a team capable of competing with the best on the continent. He explained that significant resources had been invested in improving the technical staff, including sending coaches abroad to complete Level Two certification programmes.
He added that the team's ambition extends beyond domestic success, with the ultimate objective of becoming one of Africa's leading volleyball clubs. According to him, the players understand the expectations placed on them and remain determined to improve with every match.
The Customs official also revealed that the club's immediate focus is to collect as many points as possible during the opening phase of the league. He noted that inconsistent performances early last season proved costly and denied the team the league title, making a stronger start a key priority this year.
Preparation for the new campaign also included participation in the Zone Three Championship and an international training programme in Kigali. Onikeku believes those experiences have improved the team's tactical awareness and overall competitiveness.
He further highlighted the impact of the club's new signings, stating that quality additions had addressed important areas within the squad. The new players have settled quickly and strengthened the team's depth, giving the coaching staff more options throughout the season.
The victory over the defending champions sends a strong message to the rest of the league as Nigeria Customs continue their pursuit of the CGC Volleyball Premier League title while keeping their long-term ambition of continental success firmly in sight.
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