Nimrod Hails Standards of CGC Volleyball Premier League

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, has praised the standard of play and organisation at the just-concluded first phase of the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League in Abuja, describing it as “really challenging but very rewarding.”

Speaking after the final games, Nimrod expressed delight at the rising quality of young players in the league, stressing that Nigeria is now attracting global attention.

“I’m really happy because these are young players, no more over-aged players,” Nimrod said. “A lot of countries are looking at them and scouts are already coming to pick our players. That alone shows the impact of this league.”

He credited the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its consistent sponsorship, saying their support has allowed the federation to focus on broader development.

“I must appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs for his support. It has relieved us, especially me as President, to concentrate on other events and grassroots programmes,” he added.

On the final day of the men’s category, UCEM defeated Nigeria Police 3-1 (25-22, 25-20, 36-38, 25-23), COAS Spikers edged Kano Pillars 3-2 (25-23, 25-20, 23-25, 17-25, 15-13), while Correctional Service stunned NSCDC in another five-set thriller 3-2 (25-23, 25-17, 18-25, 21-25, 17-15). Customs swept Sunshine Spikers 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-17), Kada Kings outlasted Nigeria Air Force 3-2 (20-25, 25-23, 25-19, 19-25, 15-10), and CNS dominated Offa 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-19).

 

In the women’s fixtures, Olalomi Queens beat Life Camp 3-1 (18-25, 25-20, 25-18, 31-29), COAS Spikers thrashed Benue Queens 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-17), NSCDC women crushed Wikki Spikers 3-0 (25-9, 25-11, 25-17), Kada Queens defeated Anambra 3-1 (13-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-22), while Nigeria Customs closed the phase with a commanding 3-0 win over CNS (25-23, 25-13, 25-13).

At the end of the first phase, CNS lead the men’s table with 29 points, followed by Nigeria Customs (25), NSCDC (25), and COAS (23). Nigeria Air Force (6) and Kada Kings (4) sit in relegation. In the women’s category, Customs top with 33 points, NSCDC are second on 29, CNS third with 27, and COAS fourth on 24. Wikki (3) and Delta Force (0) occupy the relegation spots.

NVBF board member Chinedu Odozor Onikeku admitted there were “some lapses” but was optimistic ahead of the next stage.

“So far, so good. We are gradually getting there. The first phase has shown us what the second phase will be, and I believe it will get better,” Onikeku said.

Coach Elishama Elam, Chairman of the Nigeria Volleyball Coaches Association, commended the CGC for investing in the league.

“The level of the tournament has changed because there is money involved. Every player now wants to play in the Premier League. Sports is about motivation, and CGC has given that motivation,” Elam stated.

Nimrod confirmed that the Division 1 and 2 finals will take place in Umuahia, Abia State, and assured fans that the competition will be more intense.

“The next phase is going to be a different ball game. We are going back to our communities and focusing on long-term development. Our dream is not just the Los Angeles Olympics but the next one. By then, these players will be matured,” he declared.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s U-18 team is set to depart for Qatar on Monday for an international competition, while school sports championships will follow in Abuja later in October, underscoring the federation’s busy Calendar