Nigeria Customs strengthen leadership team with Jaiyeola's appointment ahead of the start of the League

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By Maxwell Kumoye 

  

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced the leadership of its men's volleyball team by appointing national team star Abdulquadri Jaiyeola as alternate captain ahead of the decisive second phase of the 2026 Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League.

The move reflects the club's confidence in the experienced playmaker, whose recent exploits with Nigeria's senior men's national team have earned widespread recognition after leading the side to qualification for the African Nations Championship qualifiers in Abidjan.

Announcing the appointment on Monday, Head of Sports at the Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, said Jaiyeola's leadership qualities, commitment and experience made him an ideal choice to strengthen the team's captaincy group.

According to Onikeku, the former African Men's Club Championship campaigner has consistently shown maturity and responsibility both with the national team and at club level.

He noted that Jaiyeola previously represented Nigeria Customs at the 2021 African Men's Club Championship in Tunisia, where he made a positive impact during his time with the team.

While Jaiyeola assumes his new role as alternate captain, the existing leadership structure remains intact, with Philip Akande retaining the captain's armband. 

Chris Udah will continue as first assistant captain, while Princewill Okoi remains second assistant captain.

Beyond the leadership announcement, Onikeku challenged the players to build on their encouraging display in the opening phase of the CGC Volleyball Premier League as the battle for honours intensifies.

He praised the squad's discipline, teamwork and professionalism throughout the first round, stressing that maintaining those standards will be crucial to achieving the club's ambitions in the final phase of the season.

The appointment is expected to add further stability to the Nigeria Customs squad as the team looks to translate its strong start into a successful finish in one of Nigeria's most competitive volleyball competitions.


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