The battle for top honours in the 3rd Customs Comptroller-General (CGC) Volleyball Premier League intensified on Day Four in Abuja, with VIP & Partners Volleyball Club delivering one of the biggest shocks of the season. The National Division One champions stunned former women’s title holders CNS Spikers 3-1 as the race for places in the spotlight heated up.
Before the meeting, CNS Spikers had been in perfect rhythm, winning each of their three previous outings. Their run included comfortable wins over Excelsior VC, Fire Service and Benue Queens, setting up the clash as a test for the fast-rising VIP & Partners unit.
Quick facts
- Competition: 3rd Customs Comptroller-General (CGC) Volleyball Premier League
- Venue: Abuja
- Day: Four
- Women’s headline result: VIP & Partners def. CNS Spikers 3-1
- Women’s key scorelines: 25-21, 26-24, 25-23, 25-23
- Men’s headline result: COAS Spikers def. Nigeria Police Force 3-0
CNS Spikers started on the front foot, taking the first set 25-21 and looking set to seize control again. However, VIP & Partners quickly tightened their game, edging a close second set 26-24 before claiming the next two frames 25-23 and 25-23 to complete a standout comeback.
The win extended VIP & Partners’ strong momentum in the competition. They have now recorded victories over Kada Emeralds, Olalomi Royal Angels and CNS Spikers, with their only loss arriving against defending champions Nigeria Customs Service.
Team Manager Samuel Onikeku said the result reflected the belief the club has shown in its players since building the squad. He pointed to a deliberate recruitment process, a strong coaching setup and continued investment as reasons the team were ready to challenge established contenders.
“We have a quality team and carefully selected these players because we believe in their talent. With a strong coaching crew and continuous investment, we knew this team could challenge and defeat any opponent,” Onikeku said.
Head coach Francisca Ikhiede also highlighted the resilience and unity shown throughout the match. She praised how her players leaned on teamwork, maintained a strong mindset and used the game as a springboard for the remaining fixtures.
“I feel very proud of my girls. They depended on teamwork and a very strong spirit. They do not give up easily. We used the game to get ourselves the motivation we need ahead of the other games,” Ikhiede said.
She added that the team had been building toward moments like this, with Zone 3 Championship experience helping them develop the belief required to finish strongly.
“I have dreamt of a day like this because I know what the girls are capable of doing. Going to the Zone 3 Championship gave them enough exposure and I believe they have what it takes to finish strongly,” Ikhiede added.
Women’s round-up
Nigeria Customs Service, the defending women’s champions, maintained their perfect run with another commanding display. They swept aside Kada Emeralds 25-16, 25-9, 25-12, following earlier wins over Benue Queens, VIP & Partners and NSCDC to remain firmly at the top.
NSCDC also moved up with a straight-sets win over Olalomi Royal Angels, while Life Camp VC recorded a 3-0 victory against Excelsior VC. Anambra Queens fought back to beat Benue Queens 3-2, and NAF Rockets rallied after dropping the opening set to defeat Fire Service 3-1.
In the wider context of the women’s race, the disruption caused by VIP & Partners’ upset over CNS Spikers has broadened the picture. With Nigeria Customs Service still leading, the newcomers’ statement win has underlined that the title contest is far from settled.
In the men’s competition, COAS Spikers continued their impressive momentum with a fourth straight victory. They defeated Nigeria Police Force 3-0, building on earlier results against Kano Pillars, Offa VC and NSCDC to position themselves early among the favourites.
COAS coach Elishama Elam praised his players’ drive but warned them against losing focus. He noted that the league season is still young and that there are eight matches left, with plenty still to be decided.
“The players are eager to make a statement for themselves and I hope they will sustain it. The league season is still quite young and we still have eight games to go,” Elam said.
“It is every team’s prayer to win the league title. All coaches crave it, but I pray at the end we get the victory.”
Assistant coach Segun Abinde credited the team’s success to discipline and the strong bonds inside the squad. He stressed that relationships matter, with mutual respect helping the group function smoothly during matches.
“We are fortunate to have this set of players. Relationship really matters. They respect us and we also do likewise,” Abinde said.
Nigeria Customs Service also extended their unbeaten run in the men’s category. Customs beat Nigeria Correctional Service 3-0, having already accounted for NSCDC, Nigeria Police Force, Defence Spikers and Correctional Service, reinforcing their credentials as serious title contenders.
Head coach Adamu Jonah said the performances were a direct reflection of preparation. He emphasised that the team expects nothing short of strong showings and thanked the management for taking the team’s commitments seriously.
“Nothing short of impressive performance is expected of us. We are prepared and we take every game as it comes. We appreciate the management for taking our matter seriously,” Jonah said.
Elsewhere in the men’s fixtures, Kano Pillars bounced back from their opening-day defeat to COAS Spikers by overcoming NSCDC 3-1 for their third win in four matches. Defence Spikers staged a recovery from two sets down to defeat Ajase Ipo 3-2, while reigning champions CNS Spikers brushed aside UCEM VC 3-0 to remain among the leading teams.
Life Camp VC also secured a vital 3-0 victory over Sunshine Spikers. That result came after they had previously suffered defeats to Nigeria Police, Defence Spikers and Nigeria Correctional Service.
With four rounds completed, the men’s title race is beginning to take shape, with COAS Spikers and Nigeria Customs Service setting the pace. CNS Spikers, Kano Pillars and Nigeria Correctional Service remain firmly in contention as the competition moves deeper into the season.
Meanwhile, the women’s story is equally compelling: Nigeria Customs Service continues to lead, but VIP & Partners’ stunning triumph over CNS Spikers has injected fresh uncertainty into the standings and confirmed the newcomers as genuine challengers.
