By Amaechi Agbo
National senior women’s team player Bethel Ogownma has been named the new captain of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Volleyball Club ahead of the second phase of the 2026 Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, Ogownma will be assisted by Maryam Ibrahim (1st assistant captain) while Toyosi Abdulraheem and Verity Onyegwu will serve as 2nd assistant captains.
Onikeku said the leadership changes became necessary following the addition of new players to the squad and the team’s successful title-winning campaign last season.
He said; “Bethel Ogownma is the new captain and will be assisted by Maryam Ibrahim as first assistant captain, while Toyosi Abdulraheem and Verity Onyegwu will serve as second assistant captains.
“I want to thank the previous captains for their efforts last season and leading the team to win the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League unbeaten. Rafiat Mustapha will join the female coordinators appointed last season.
He added that the Nigeria Customs Service currently leads the women’s standings after the first phase of the league.
Onikeku said; “The Nigeria Customs Service is currently topping the women’s category after the first phase. We strengthened the squad before the start of the league, while some players also moved to other teams.
“The team is ready to defend its title and perform even better in the second phase.”
Onikeku also praised Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) board members Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) and James Datuhun for their contributions to the development of volleyball in the country.
He said; “I want to commend the continuous efforts of NVBF board members Chinedu Onikeku and James Datuhun for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of volleyball in Nigeria.
“Their efforts have not gone unnoticed by athletes and coaches across the country.”
Bethel Ogownma won the Best Women’s Libero at the 2024 CGC Volleyball Premier League and Best Libero 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Volleyball Championship Accra.
On the other hand, Maryam Ibrahim won the 2024 CGC Volleyball Premier League, emerged Best Outside Hitter and won the 2025 SVC in Ghana.
Ibrahim won the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier, emerged Best Receiver and placed 3rd at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Championship in Ghana.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
