Captain of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Spikers men’s volleyball team, Seiyefa Dikiyai has credited the team’s success to discipline.
The CNS Spikers clinched the 2024 Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball League title in the men’s category, and Dikiyai, widely known as Shango, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the league.
In an interview with www.aclsports.com, Dikiyai explained that the team’s remarkable achievement in 2024 was made possible after their formation three years earlier, in 2021.
He attributed their success to strict discipline, which he believes was essential for their growth.
“Discipline entails sleeping at the right time, training at the appropriate time, knowing when to eat, where to visit, and when to return to camp,” he said.
“2024 was a great year for us. We were able to accomplish our goals, winning the Premier League title. Five of our players also earned individual awards at the 2024 CGC Volleyball Premier League,” he added.
Dikiyai further emphasized that while the team had potential, success came down to hard work and dedication.
“I always told the players that they needed to do something different in every situation we encountered. I set the benchmark between 1st and 3rd position for our first time in the league, but I give glory to God for guiding us to claim the title.”
Dikiyai reflected on his achievement of winning the 2024 CGC Volleyball League MVP award, noting that it was a special moment for him.
“In 2021, I won both the MVP and the league with Nigeria Customs Service before joining the newly formed CNS Spikers. When I announced my decision to leave the Premier League side for the National Division 2 League, people were surprised by my move. I told them that CNS Spikers is my ‘home’ team, and I wanted to build from the foundation because this is where I truly belong.”
He explained that he felt it was important to be part of the core team, encouraging the players and helping them reach their potential in the Premier League.
“With the support of some friends, we put plans in place, and that’s how the team was formed. We won Division 2, then lifted Division 1, which led to our promotion to the Premier League,” he said.
Upon gaining promotion, Dikiyai reassured his teammates, “There is no pressure on us. Just give your 100%. I also warned them against bragging after any victory, and to treat each game with the same seriousness, as our boss always says. Glory to God, we won the Premier League, and I was honored to win the MVP award. I feel fulfilled and grateful to God for His mercy and for preparing me for this moment.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Dikiyai is confident about the future of CNS Spikers.
“Expect great things from us. We always strive to be relevant in everything we do. The players will continue to work hard behind the scenes, and if any of us make it to the national team or play abroad, we will definitely contribute our part.”
CNS Spikers won the 2022 National Division 2 Volleyball League, 2023 National Division 1 Volleyball League and 2024 CGC Volleyball Premier League.
