Joel Ajayi
Head of Sports Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Samuel Onikeku, has attributed the triumph of Customs Ladies at the 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Super Cup to the sustained investment in sports by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Speaking on Saturday in Abuja shortly Customs Ladies thrash COAS Spikers 3-0 in the final of 2025 NVBF Super Cup inside the Basketball indoor of Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.
Onikeku said the success of the team was a direct reflection of the vision and commitment of the CGC toward sports development within the Service.
“This victory is the result of what we have been given support, structure, and the mandate to expand and go conquer Africa,” Onikeku said. “From the moment we entered camp, we knew what our objective was, and this Super Cup is part of the preparation.”
He described the final as a dominant performance, noting that the team’s experience and tactical discipline made the match appear like a walkover, even against a competitive opponent.
“Our ladies have been consistent. Even when other teams tried to rise to the occasion, our experience in playing big matches came to the fore. Finals are about composure, and this team has it,” he added.
Onikeku also explained that changes in lineup between earlier matches and the final were tactical decisions handled by an experienced coaching crew.
“We have capable and seasoned coaches who understand the dynamics of the game. What you saw in the final was a team built for big occasions,” he said.
Referencing Customs Ladies’ recent international outings, Onikeku recalled their impressive performance at a major championship in Ghana, where they competed before large crowds and emerged victorious.
“We have played in halls with over 3,000 spectators and defeated top teams. What we are seeing now is a continuation of that preparation. Last season, we dominated both phases of the Premier League, and the team has continued to grow.”
He expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, noting that newly recruited players are already being integrated to strengthen the team ahead of continental engagements.
“The team is ready. The new players will give us depth, and even when we rotate the squad, you will not see any drop in quality. That is how prepared we are,” he stated.
With Customs Ladies set to return to Ghana in less than 20 days, for competition, Onikeku affirmed the team’s readiness to compete and excel once again on the African stage.
“We have short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. The Ghana trip is part of our medium-term plan, while our long-term objective is to continue performing strongly in Africa. We are prepared, and we are ready,” he concluded.
