The battle for the 2026 Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Premier League titles intensifies as the competition enters its final phase in Abuja, with Nigeria Customs and NSCDC Spikers leading the championship race.
The second phase of the third Comptroller-General of Customs Volleyball Premier League begins on Thursday, October 15, at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The competition will continue until October 30, when the overall winners in the men’s and women’s categories are expected to emerge.
Following an opening phase that ended on June 27, participating teams are preparing for another round of matches that will determine the final league standings.
Nigeria Customs Lead Men’s and Women’s Standings
Nigeria Customs enter the concluding phase in a strong position, having established leads in both categories.
In the women’s division, Customs sit at the top with 34 points, just one point ahead of their closest challengers, NSCDC Spikers, who have 33 points.
The narrow margin means the women’s championship remains highly competitive, with results in the remaining fixtures likely to prove decisive.
The men’s competition presents a different situation, as Nigeria Customs hold a seven-point advantage over NSCDC Spikers.
Customs lead the men’s standings with 36 points, while the Spikers occupy second position with 29 points.
Despite these advantages, both competitions remain open as clubs prepare to compete for the championship titles in Abuja.
Foreign-Based Nigerian Players Could Influence Title Race
One of the major developments in this year’s competition has been the participation of Nigerian volleyball professionals based overseas.
More than 20 players competing in leagues across Europe, Asia and North Africa received clearance to represent Nigerian clubs during the championship.
Their involvement during the opening phase contributed to increased competition and provided local players with opportunities to compete alongside internationally experienced professionals.
However, some foreign-based players may be unavailable for the concluding fixtures, potentially forcing teams to adjust their strategies and squad selections.
Such changes could influence results, particularly for clubs relying heavily on experienced players to strengthen their performances.
Organisers Praise Improved League Standards
Competition organisers have acknowledged the support provided by the management of the Nigeria Customs Service towards the development of the championship.
The investment has helped participating teams access equipment and other resources needed for competitive matches.
Organisers also commended the officiating arrangements, noting the involvement of experienced international and senior referees.
According to the organisers, the standard of officiating during the opening phase contributed to the smooth conduct of matches and helped maintain confidence in the competition.
Abuja Set for Two Weeks of Volleyball Action
With the final phase taking place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja will host some of the country’s leading volleyball teams as they compete for honours.
For Nigeria Customs, the immediate objective is to defend their position at the top of both standings and convert their points advantage into championship victories.
NSCDC Spikers, meanwhile, will be hoping to close the gap, particularly in the women’s division, where only one point separates the two teams.
Other participating clubs will also have opportunities to improve their positions and potentially influence the outcome of the title race.
The concluding fixtures are expected to test squad depth, tactical organisation and consistency as teams compete for the men’s and women’s trophies.
The championship runs from October 15 to 30, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
