Nigeria Customs dominate as first phase of 3rd CGC Volleyball Premier League ends in Abuja

By Maxwell Kumoye

The first phase of the 3rd Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League came to an exciting conclusion in Abuja on Saturday, with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) emerging as the team to beat in both the men's and women's categories.

In the men's category, NCS capped an unbeaten campaign with a commanding 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-20) victory over closest challengers COAS Spikers on the final day to finish top of the standings with 36 points from 12 matches.

The defending champions won all their matches, dropping just two sets throughout the first phase.

COAS Spikers finished second on 29 points despite the defeat, while CNS Spikers secured third place with 28 points after defeating Offa VC 3-0 (25-23, 25-12, 25-12).

NSCDC ended fourth following a straight-sets victory over UCEM, while Nigeria Correctional Service defeated Defence Spikers 3-1.

Nigeria Police Force also recorded a convincing 3-0 win over Sunshine Spikers, and Life Camp VC edged Kano Pillars 3-2 in one of the day's most thrilling encounters.

The final men's standings:

• NCS

• COAS

• CNS

• NSCDC

• Kano Pillars

• Nigeria Correctional Service

• Defence Spikers

• UCEM

• Nigeria Police Force

• Life Camp VC

• Offa VC

• AVC

• Sunshine Spikers

The women's competition also produced a strong finish, although NCS suffered its first defeat of the campaign.

COAS Spikers rallied from two sets down to edge the league leaders 3-2 (25-22, 25-19, 21-25, 23-25, 15-5) in the headline clash of the final day.

Despite the loss, NCS retained top spot with 34 points, finishing just ahead of COAS on 33 points, while NSCDC claimed third place with 31 points after sweeping aside Fire Service Spikers 3-0.

CNS Spikers sealed fifth place with a dominant 3-0 victory over NAF Rockets, while Vipers Spikers overwhelmed Benue Queens 3-0.

Lifecamp VC also ended their campaign on a winning note with a straight-sets victory over Olalomi Royal Angels, while Kada Emeralds defeated Excelsior VC 3-0.

The final women's standings:

• NCS

• COAS

• NSCDC

• Vipers Spikers

• CNS Spikers

• NAF Rockets

• Fire Service Spikers

• Anambra

• Benue Queens

• Lifecamp VC

• Olalomi Royal Angels

• Kada Emeralds

• Excelsior VC

With the first phase completed, attention now shifts to the next stage of the CGC Volleyball Premier League as teams look to build on their performances in the race for national honours.

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