Ado Salisu
Kano Pillars Basketball Club has kicked off the second phase of the Nigerian Premier Basketball League with an emphatic 97–67 victory over host side Niger Potters in Minna, despite ongoing financial challenges confronting the team.
The Nigerian Premier Basketball League, organized by the Nigeria Basketball Federation, serves as a qualifying platform for the continental championship organized by FIBA Africa later this year.
Kano Pillars secured qualification for the second phase following an impressive performance during the first phase of the competition held in Jos, Plateau State. The team has continued to demonstrate resilience and determination despite facing funding constraints.
Sources close to the club revealed that players and officials had to rely on borrowed funds to participate in the first phase of the league due to delays in the release of financial support. A similar situation reportedly affected the team’s participation in the ongoing second phase in Minna.
The club, one of Nigeria’s most successful basketball teams, boasts multiple league titles and has represented the country with distinction in regional and continental competitions, including the West Africa Zone 3 qualifiers and the FIBA Africa Clubs Championship.
Stakeholders have called on the Kano State Government to provide adequate financial backing to enable the team sustain its strong performances and continue promoting the state’s image through sports.
Kano Pillars are scheduled to face Gombe Bulls in their second match of the competition on Sunday.
In other matches played on Saturday, City Chiefs of Abuja defeated Bauchi 103–65, Nile University overcame Plateau Peaks 82–75, 313 Warriors beat Niger Potters 66–55, while Aso Sky Hawks were awarded a 20–0 walkover victory against Gombe Bulls.
Upcoming fixtures will see 313 Warriors take on City Chiefs of Abuja, Niger Potters face Plateau Peaks, while Aso Sky Hawks clash with Nile University.
The top four teams from both the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences will qualify automatically for the Final Eight tournament scheduled for later in the year.