The Customs Police Unit has emerged football champions of the Nigeria Customs Service Zone ‘A’ Inter-Command Games after defeating Muritala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command 1-0 in Saturday’s final at Ikeja.

A first-half goal proved decisive as the Police Unit held firm defensively in the second half to clinch the trophy amid cheers from players and supporters.

This is contained in a statement by the Zone A Public Relations Officer, Edeminam Akaninyene, issued in Lagos on Sunday.

The football final was the centrepiece of the wider games that featured 16 teams from Customs commands competing in football, chess, badminton and table tennis from August 17 to September 5.

The tournament was held under the theme “Fit to Serve, United to Lead” and aimed at promoting fitness, teamwork and camaraderie among officers across the zone.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended the organisers for delivering a colourful and high-quality tournament reflecting his administration’s pillars of consolidation, collaboration and innovation.

Mr Adeniyi said the participation of sister agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency underscored the importance of interagency partnership in strengthening national security.

He praised the parade of participating commands, describing their creative outfits and presentation as a major highlight that showcased pride and esprit de corps among officers.

The CGC called for the revival and expansion of the games beyond zonal level, noting that past zonal competitions historically paved the way for national inter-zonal sporting events within the service.

He stressed the need to upgrade sports infrastructure across customs formations, adding that the service fields teams in volleyball, basketball, football, beach volleyball and athletics requiring better facilities.

Mr Adeniyi disclosed that the planned new Customs Training College in Ogun State would include modern sporting facilities, while temporary arrangements would be made at the current Ikeja college for recruits.

He urged officers to internalise values of discipline, teamwork and strategy, saying the virtues drive patrol missions, collaboration and revenue targets in Customs operations daily.

Earlier, the Zonal Coordinator Zone A, ACG Mohammed Babandede, thanked the CGC for approving the games and commended the organising committee for uniting commands and delivering a successful tournament.

(NAN)