Teams to Watch in the Final Phase of the CGC Volleyball League

The second phase of the 2026 Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League has begun in Abuja, and the battle for the men's and women's titles is entering a decisive stage. With some teams dealing with the absence of key foreign-based players, the final phase could test squad depth and give other contenders an opportunity to close the gap.

The first phase in June saw Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) dominate the men's competition, winning all 12 matches to collect 36 points. COAS Spikers finished second with 29 points, while defending champions CNS Spikers ended the phase third with 28 points.

However, the standings from the first phase may not tell the whole story. With some teams reportedly missing important players who have returned to their clubs abroad, the ability of their home-based players to step up could shape the outcome of the championship.

Customs

Nigeria Customs Service entered the final phase with the strongest record from the opening stage. Their 12 wins from 12 matches put them in a good position to challenge for the men's title after narrowly missing out on the championship last season.

The absence of Jaiyeola Abdulquadri, who played an important role for the team in the first phase, could test their attacking options. However, Customs have built a strong squad around their domestic players, and maintaining the understanding that helped them dominate earlier in the season will be important.

Their task is to turn that first-phase advantage into a league title. A perfect record is a strong starting point, but the team still has to deliver when the pressure increases.

COAS Spikers

COAS Spikers also have work to do. They finished the first phase in second place but are reportedly without Vincent Matthias, one of their key attacking options. His absence could place greater responsibility on the remaining players to produce points and maintain the team's position among the leading contenders.

COAS Spikers remain part of the title conversation, but their ability to adjust to the changes in their squads will be important as the competition progresses.

NSCDC

NSCDC have already made their intentions clear. NSCDC showed they could challenge the reigning champions when they defeated CNS Spikers 3-0 during the first phase of the league. This victory gave them an important result and showed that they can compete with the league's established teams.

The team is also reportedly without several foreign-based players, including Pascal Ozokoye, and Izuchukwu Oforah. Their absence could affect NSCDC's blocking and attacking options over the course of the competition.

Still, the opening-day win gives the team something to build on. If its home-based players maintain that level of performance, NSCDC could make life difficult for the title favourites.

Other Teams Looking for an Opening

Two-time champions Offa VC will be looking to improve on their first-phase performance and challenge the teams above them. Nigeria Correctional Service could also take advantage of any slip-ups among the leading sides, while Kano Pillars will be hoping to finish the competition strongly.

In the women's category, Nigeria Customs Service began its title defence with a 3-0 win over NAF Rockets on October 16. The result gives the defending champions a positive start as they look to maintain their position among the leading teams.

VIP & Partners, meanwhile, could be one to watch as the women's competition develops. Their ability to take advantage of opportunities against the more established sides will determine how far they can go.

The Teams That Adapt Could Go Further

The final phase is about more than the positions teams secured in June. Changes in personnel, squad depth and the ability to respond to difficult matches could all influence the final standings.

Nigeria Customs have given themselves a strong platform in the men's competition, but CNS Spikers, COAS Spikers and NSCDC have reasons to believe they can challenge. As the matches continue in Abuja, the teams that adjust quickest and get the best out of their available players will give themselves the strongest chance of finishing the season with the title.

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