Ado Salisu
Players and officials of Kano Pillars Basketball Club are expected to depart Kano for Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday ahead of the Nigerian Premier Basketball League Final 8 Championship.
The competition is scheduled to take place from August 30 to September 6, 2026, with the Kano side among the eight teams that qualified for the championship after impressive performances in the first and second phases of the league in Jos, Plateau State, and Minna, Niger State, respectively.
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The more than 20-member Kano Pillars contingent comprises players, coaches and officials who are said to be in high spirits as they prepare for the decisive stage of the competition.
Kano Pillars will compete against Aso Sky Hawks of Abuja, City Chiefs of Gboko, Benue State, 313 Warriors of Minna, Niger State, Maktown Flyers of Makurdi, Benue State, Hoops and Reads and Raptors of Lagos, as well as the host team, Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking to newsmen ahead of the championship, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission (KSSC), Alhaji Muhammad Tukur Babangida, charged the players and coaches to remain focused and continue to project the good image of Kano State throughout the tournament.
Babangida urged the team to redouble its efforts and reciprocate the support of the state government by securing the championship and qualifying to represent Nigeria at the FIBA Africa Clubs Basketball Championship.
The KSSC chairman commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for approving the release of funds to enable Kano Pillars Basketball Club to participate in the Final 8.
He said the financial support demonstrated the state government’s commitment to the development of sports and urged the players to justify the confidence reposed in them.
“We really appreciate the efforts of the state government, especially the release of funds to enable the team to participate. With the calibre of players we have, coupled with the prayers and support of the people of Kano State, the sky will be their limit,” Babangida said.
He expressed confidence that the team had the quality and experience required to compete for the title, urging the players to maintain discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the championship.
Kano Pillars Basketball Club are four-time consecutive champions of the Nigerian Premier Basketball League and have also represented Nigeria at the FIBA Africa Clubs Basketball Championship in previous years.
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The Final 8 Championship is expected to determine the league’s top contenders and provide an opportunity for the participating teams to secure continental representation.