National senior men’s team player Philip Akande has been named the new captain of the Nigeria Customs Service VC ahead of the 2025 Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League.
Akande will be assisted by Emmanuel Udah (1st captain) and Princewill Okoh (2nd captain), while Godfrey Isaac and Usman Ado were appointed coordinators of the team.
In a statement signed by Samuel Onikeku, head of sports NCS, 18 players have been selected to play for the service after two weeks of intensive trials.
Onikeku explained that the reshuffling of the team is to ensure the NCS compete for honours in this year’s league after failing to finish on the podium last year.
He said, “I want to thank the previous leadership for the dedication to the team having won the national leagues three times and the Super Cup held in Lagos a few years ago.
“Some of our star players have gone into coaching, while others retired due to other commitments and this necessitated the move to appoint new leadership for the team.
“Ahead of this year’s CGC Volleyball League, Philip Akande has been appointed captain of the team to be assisted by Emmanuel Udah and Princewill Okoi.
“We believe that their appointment will usher in a new beginning for the men’s team and enable them to compete for the trophy this season.
Onikeku charged the players to continue to uphold the virtues of the service and be good ambassadors wherever they meet themselves.
“To the selected players, I want to implore you to give your best to the team, and make the service proud.”