Ado Salisu
Kano Pillars Basketball Club has secured a place in the Final 8 of the ongoing Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Premier League Second Phase after edging highly rated Aso Sky Hawks of Abuja 84–81 in a thrilling Savannah Conference clash at the Minna Centre in Niger State.
The victory marks Kano Pillars’ fifth win of the competition, having earlier defeated Niger Potters of Minna, Gombe Bulls, Bauchi Nets and Benue City Chiefs. Their only defeat so far came against Nile University of Abuja.
By qualifying for the Final 8, the Pyramids City Boys will compete with the top four teams from the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences for the national title and the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the FIBA Zone 3 Qualifiers scheduled for later this year.
Reacting after the hard-fought victory, the team’s Secretary, Bashir Musa, described the win as a fitting welcome gift to the newly constituted board of the Kano State Sports Commission led by Alhaji Muhammad Tukur Babangida.
He commended the players for remaining focused despite financial challenges, noting that their determination and resilience had sustained the team’s impressive campaign in the championship.
Bashir Musa also expressed appreciation to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his continued support and commitment to the team. He urged the players to maintain their winning momentum as they pursue the league title.
The NBBF Premier League Second Phase is being held simultaneously at the Minna and Enugu centres.
Kano Pillars will conclude their conference fixtures on Friday with a match against 313 Warriors as they look to finish the group stage on a strong note.