Nigeria Customs Service face a major test of their championship ambitions as the final phase of the 2026 CGC Volleyball Premier League begins in Abuja on Friday, October 16, with the unbeaten men’s league leaders determined to avoid another disappointing finish.
Customs dominated the opening phase, winning all 12 matches and collecting a maximum 36 points to establish themselves as the team to beat.
However, their impressive record offers no guarantee of lifting the trophy.
Despite producing strong performances last season, Customs narrowly missed out on the championship, leaving them with unfinished business heading into this year’s decisive fixtures.
Their first challenge in Abuja comes against Ajase Ipo, a match that will test whether the league leaders can maintain their consistency under increased pressure.
While Customs enter the final phase with momentum, the chasing clubs also have opportunities to strengthen their title challenges.
Defending champions CNS Spikers begin against the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, while second-placed COAS Spikers face Nigeria Correctional Service.
Two-time champions Offa Volleyball Club will meet the Nigeria Police Force, with Kano Pillars taking on Life Camp Volleyball Club.
The fixtures underline the level of competition Customs must overcome to turn their unbeaten run into a championship-winning campaign.
For the players, the challenge will involve maintaining concentration, handling difficult moments and responding effectively when opponents threaten their dominance.
An unbeaten opening phase demonstrates consistency, but championship pressure can expose weaknesses that were less obvious earlier in the season.
Customs must therefore avoid allowing their previous results to create a false sense of security.
Their opponents, meanwhile, will recognise that defeating the leaders could provide an important boost in the race for the title.
The final phase, taking place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, will bring Nigeria’s leading volleyball clubs together for another demanding series of matches.
Attention will also be on whether CNS Spikers can successfully defend their crown against increasingly determined challengers.
For Customs, however, the objective is particularly clear.
Twelve consecutive victories have established their credentials as title contenders.
Now they must demonstrate that their dominance can survive the pressure of the championship’s decisive stage.
After last season’s disappointment, anything short of the title could leave their impressive opening-phase record feeling incomplete.
