By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Volleyball Club has appointed national team star Bethel Ogownma as the new captain of its women’s team ahead of the second phase of the 2026 Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League.
A statement signed by the Head of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, confirms that Ogownma will be assisted by Maryam Ibrahim as first assistant captain, while Toyosi Abdulraheem and Verity Onyegwu will serve as second assistant captains.
According to Onikeku, the reshuffle became necessary following the arrival of new players and the club’s impressive title-winning campaign last season.
“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,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the outgoing captains for steering the team to an unbeaten triumph in the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League, adding that former captain Rafiat Mustapha will now join the female coordinators appointed by the club.
The Nigeria Customs women’s team currently sits atop the league standings after the first phase of the competition, with Onikeku expressing confidence that the side is well-positioned to retain its crown.
“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,” he said.
“The team is ready to defend its title and perform even better in the second phase.”
Onikeku also applauded Nigeria Volleyball Federation board members Chinedu Onikeku and James Datuhun for their unwavering commitment to the development of the sport in the country.
“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,” he added.
Ogownma heads into her new leadership role with an impressive pedigree, having won the Best Women’s Libero award at the 2024 CGC Volleyball Premier League and the Best Libero award at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Volleyball Championship in Accra.
Her deputy, Maryam Ibrahim, was instrumental in Customs’ 2024 league triumph, earning the Best Outside Hitter award before adding the Best Receiver prize in the 2025 season. She also helped Nigeria secure a podium finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Championship in Ghana.
With a new leadership structure and a squad determined to maintain its dominance, the Nigeria Customs Service women’s team will be aiming to extend its reign when the second phase of the league gets underway.
