By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Bashir Adeniyi Adewale, and the Director General of the National Institute for Sports, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, are set to lead their teams into battle as NCS face NIS in the final of the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists Football Tournament.
Both top officials inspired their respective teams to semifinal victories on Friday at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, earning a place in Saturday’s championship decider.
Customs survived a thrilling encounter against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, winning 3–2 on penalties after a dramatic 2–2 draw in regulation time.
NDLEA took the lead through Abbas Yusuf in the first half, but Customs’ Mikail Abubakar restored parity shortly before the break.
Abubakar then completed his brace from the penalty spot in the second half after Customs were awarded a spot-kick, taking his tally to four goals in the competition.
However, Customs’ celebrations were cut short in stoppage time when goalkeeper Charles M. Ahur inadvertently turned a long-range effort into his own net to force the game into a penalty shootout.
Ahur redeemed himself in spectacular fashion, saving two penalties as Customs prevailed 3–2 to book their place in the final.
Earlier, debutants NIS produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, edging the Nigerian Air Force 1–0 in another tense semifinal.
After a goalless first half, Stephen Raymond converted a second-half penalty to send NIS into the final on their debut.
The highly anticipated final between NCS and NIS will take place on Saturday at the Area 3 Football Pitch, Abuja, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
Before the title clash, NAF will face NDLEA for the bronze medal at 11am, while the women’s final between NAWOJ and the Women Football All Stars Association (WFASA) is scheduled for 12:30pm.
The tournament, which has brought together teams from government agencies and media-related organisations, is expected to climax with another keenly contested encounter as the Customs CG and NIS DG lead their sides in pursuit of the coveted NUJ trophy.
