Tayo Ogunseye
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Volleyball Club has appointed national senior women’s 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.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Head of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, who also confirmed the appointment of Maryam Ibrahim as first assistant captain, while Toyosi Abdulraheem and Verity Onyegwu will serve as second assistant captains.
According to Onikeku, the restructuring of the team’s leadership became necessary following the arrival of new players and the club’s successful 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 expressed appreciation to the outgoing captains for their dedication and leadership, which guided the team to an unbeaten triumph in the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League.
“I want to thank the previous captains for their efforts last season and for leading the team to win the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League unbeaten. Rafiat Mustapha will now join the female coordinators appointed last season,” Onikeku added.
The NCS women’s team currently tops the league standings after the opening phase of the competition, and Onikeku is optimistic the side will successfully defend its title.
“The Nigeria Customs Service is currently leading 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 commended members of the **Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) board, Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) and James Datuhun, for their continued commitment to the growth of volleyball in Nigeria.
“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.”
Ogownma brings a wealth of experience and accolades to her new leadership role. She was named **Best Women’s Libero at the 2024 CGC Volleyball Premier League and also emerged Best Libero at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Volleyball Championship** in Accra.
Her deputy, Maryam Ibrahim, has also enjoyed an outstanding career, helping Nigeria Customs win the 2024 and 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League titles. She was named Best Outside Hitter in 2024, Best Receiver in 2025, won the 2025 SVC Championship in Ghana, and finished third with Nigeria at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Championship in Ghana.
