By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi has pledged maximum support for Nigeria’s beach volleyball players as they begin preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Adeniyi made the commitment in Abuja while hosting Pamela Bawa and Esther Mbah, who made history by securing Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic qualification in beach volleyball after winning gold at the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Championship in Alexandria, Egypt.
The Customs boss described their achievement as proof that discipline, investment and the right support system can deliver outstanding results, urging the duo to maintain the hunger and determination that earned them continental glory.
“You have shown that it is possible,” Adeniyi said, challenging the players to now target continental dominance and compete confidently against the world’s best.
He noted that the players had already proven themselves domestically and should now focus on closing the gap with the dominant North African, Arab and East African teams on the continent.
Adeniyi also revealed that the establishment of the Customs-sponsored VIPERS volleyball team was part of efforts to discover and nurture talents capable of competing at the highest level.
He said the team’s rise from National Division One to the Premiership demonstrated the success of the development programme.
Having watched the players compete in Alexandria, Adeniyi commended their performance, particularly their victories over hosts Egypt in the semi-final and Morocco in the final.
He promised to support the players with exposure tours, quality international matches, welfare and other preparations required to give them a realistic chance of securing a podium finish in Los Angeles.
The Customs boss said preparations must begin immediately, with plans to study successful Olympic teams, identify areas for improvement and expose the players to stronger opposition ahead of the Games.
“You are going there as African champions and you must be the best that Africa has in that particular competition,” he said.
Mbah and Bawa’s historic qualification gives Nigeria its first-ever Olympic ticket in beach volleyball and sets the stage for the country’s debut in the event at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
