Joel Ajayi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is intensifying its preparations for a strong showing on the African volleyball scene, as the women’s team concludes its player screening and selection process.
Speaking at the end of the two-week exercise in Abuja, NCS Head of Sports, Samuel Onikeku, expressed confidence in the team’s potential. According to him, the team has identified key areas for improvement based on their performance at previous African Club Championships and has successfully recruited promising young talent to fill those gaps.
“Nigerians are incredibly talented, especially our young athletes. After spending about 12 to 13 days working with these ladies, we’re very impressed. We focused on areas where we previously struggled during past club championships and have selected players we believe will strengthen the team,” Onikeku said.
He noted that since the team’s impressive run in the 2021 championship, they have not met expectations in recent editions. However, the new wave of players shows hunger and determination to restore the team’s former dominance.
“We want to give a good representation of Nigeria on the African map. What we achieved in 2021—we want to go back to that level. We don’t want what happened to the men’s team, where several players retired at once, to happen to the women’s team. That’s why we conducted this screening.”
Onikeku added that the final list of selected players will be announced shortly, and assured that the team is building not just for now, but for long-term competitiveness.
“When the next club championship comes around, fans will see a different team—young, vibrant, and ready to represent both Customs and Nigeria with pride,” he added.
Also speaking, one of the team’s coaches, Coach Ajaegbe, acknowledged that the team’s last appearance at the African Club Championship did not reflect their true potential. However, with the current rebuild, the goal is to ensure the team becomes a continental force once again.
“What we want is a team that Africa will be proud of—a team that is a strong product of Nigeria. We are looking at these young girls with a view to developing them technically and tactically to compete at the highest level.”
Commenting on the selection process, Ajaegbe revealed that the trials began with 20 players, with the number trimmed down to 16 after thorough screening based on strict performance standards.
“We have a solid standard at Customs. Any player brought in must meet that benchmark. From what we’ve seen so far, we are convinced that there is real potential among the new recruits,” he concluded.
With renewed optimism, structural planning, and a crop of talented young players, the NCS women’s volleyball team is gearing up to reclaim its place at the top of African club volleyball.
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