Abdulquadri Jaiyeola has been handed a new leadership responsibility in the Nigeria Customs Service men’s volleyball team after being selected as the side’s alternate captain ahead of the final stage of the 2026 Comptroller-General of Customs Volleyball Premier League.
The appointment was confirmed on Monday by the Service’s Head of Sports, Samuel Onikeku, who said the decision was based on the player’s track record, commitment and influence within the team.
According to him, Jaiyeola has earned the confidence of the coaching crew and management through his consistent displays and leadership qualities over the years. His performances for both the national team and at club level were also considered before the decision was made.
The experienced outside hitter recently wore the captain’s armband for Nigeria during the African Nations Championship qualifying tournament in Abidjan, where the team secured its place in the next round.
Jaiyeola currently plays professionally for Al-Wasl SC in the United Arab Emirates. He began his volleyball journey with Offa Volleyball Club before representing Nigeria at the youth and Under-21 levels. He is no stranger to the Customs team, having previously featured for the club at the 2021 African Men’s Club Championship in Tunisia.
Despite the latest change, Philip Akande remains the team’s captain, with Chris Udah and Princewill Okoi continuing in their positions as first and second assistant captains respectively.
Onikeku also applauded the team’s showing during the opening round of the league, describing the players’ attitude as encouraging. He urged them not to relax as the competition enters its decisive stage, stressing that greater effort, unity and consistency will be needed if the team hopes to finish the season on a high.
