The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the development of volleyball in Nigeria following the qualification of two Customs players for the national team.
Adeniyi made the commitment when he received members of the national volleyball team at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja after their return from Egypt with medals from the championship.
The Comptroller-General said sports development had remained part of the tradition of the Customs Service, adding that concerns over Nigeria’s declining dominance in volleyball prompted the Service to identify and support young talents.
He said the initiative was designed to create opportunities for promising athletes to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.
“We saw the need to strengthen volleyball by creating opportunities for young talents to develop and compete at higher levels. The progress we are seeing today shows that the investment is yielding results,” Adeniyi said.
According to him, the support provided by the Service enabled the team to progress to the National Division One and produced two players who subsequently earned places in the national team.
Adeniyi urged the players to maintain the determination that earned them continental success as they take on their national assignment, while encouraging them to begin early preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.
He assured the athletes of the continued support of the Nigeria Customs Service in their pursuit of excellence.
Also speaking, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Senior Special Assistant to the President, Sunday Dare, commended Adeniyi for his commitment to sports development.
Dare stressed the importance of investing in young athletes as a means of building a stronger and more sustainable future for Nigerian sports.
Team captain Esther Mbah described the team’s outing in Egypt as challenging but rewarding, saying the players remained focused on their objective despite the difficulties encountered during the championship.
She called for increased international tours and exposure, noting that competing against teams outside Nigeria would complement conventional training and improve the players’ performance.
The team’s coach, Samuel Onikeku, also expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for its support, particularly in addressing the welfare and medical needs of the players during the championship.
He said improved welfare and facilities would further strengthen the team as it prepares for upcoming competitions.
The Customs Service’s continued investment in volleyball is expected to provide more opportunities for young athletes while contributing to Nigeria’s efforts to reclaim its position in continental and international volleyball.