The Tunisian giants, known for their continental pedigree, dominated the encounter from start to finish. Carthage secured the victory with a clinical 3-0 performance, taking the sets 25-8, 25-14, and 25-17. The result highlights the high level of competition in Pool C, which is widely regarded as one of the toughest groups in this year’s tournament.
A Tough Day At The Office
Coming off a strong start earlier in the week, where they battled back to defeat Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) 3-1, the Customs team struggled to find their rhythm against the Carthage defense. The first set was particularly one-sided, as the Tunisians exploited gaps in the Nigerian backcourt to race to a 25-8 win.
While the Nigerian side showed more resilience in the second and third sets, improving their net defense and service accuracy, they could not overcome the tactical discipline of the North Africans. This loss marks the first setback for head coach Suleiman Ajeigbe and his squad in the Egyptian capital.
The Road To The Knockout Phase
Despite the loss, the tournament remains very much alive for the Nigeria Customs Service. With the preliminary round featuring four pools of elite clubs, the top four teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16.
Having already secured a vital win in their opener against KCCA, the Nigerian champions are essentially one win away from mathematically guaranteeing their spot in the knockout stage. Their remaining fixtures against Kenya’s DCI and Eagles of Congo will be decisive in determining their final position in the group.
Continental Outlook
The 2026 edition of the championship has showcased the growing strength of African club volleyball. While traditional powerhouses like Al Ahly and Kenya Pipeline continue to dominate their respective pools, the performance of the Nigeria Customs Service has kept West African hopes alive.
The team will look to reset and recover quickly before their next outing, knowing that a place in the last 16 is well within their reach. Fans back home remain optimistic that the "Customs Girls" can regain their momentum and push deep into the tournament.