Joel Ajayi
The first phase of the second edition of the CGC Volleyball Premier League serves off tommorow, Saturday, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, promising 12 days of exciting competition and entertainment.
A total of 24 teams — 12 male and 12 female — will battle for supremacy in the prestigious tournament, which has quickly become a highlight on Nigeria’s volleyball calendar.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Director of Sports, Samuel Onikeku, who represented the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, pledged an improved edition of the league.
“It is with great joy that I represent the Comptroller General today. His commitment to sports development in Nigeria is unwavering,” Onikeku said. “Last year, he sponsored the Premier League to put smiles on the faces of volleyballers. This year, he has taken it a step higher to encourage and support the game.”
Highlighting the CGC’s contributions, Onikeku noted that subsidies for teams have been increased from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000, with player subsidies also raised to ₦500,000. In total, ₦24 million has been set aside for subsidies in this first phase alone, with the same support guaranteed for the final phase.
He recalled that under Adeniyi’s leadership, Nigeria successfully hosted the African Clubs Championship for the first time, attracting top clubs from across the continent and reaffirming Nigeria’s capacity to host major international events.
“As we begin this year’s championship, we pray for an injury-free tournament and look forward to smooth proceedings. We believe the players will be motivated with the improved incentives, and at the end, new champions — or defending champions — will emerge to the delight of fans,” Onikeku added.
With increased investment and renewed commitment, the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League is set to raise the bar and further position volleyball as one of Nigeria’s fast-growing sports.
