By Ado Salisu
Kano Pillars Basketball Club secured a place in the Final 8 of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) Premier League after edging Aso Sky Hawks of Abuja 84–81 in the second phase of the league at the Minna Centre in Niger State.
The Pyramids City Boys recorded five victories during the phase, defeating Niger Potters, Gombe Bulls, Bauchi Nets, City Chiefs of Benue, and Aso Sky Hawks, while suffering their only defeat against Nile University of Abuja.
The qualification means Kano Pillars will compete among the top four teams from the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences for the league title and a place in the FIBA Zone 3 qualifiers scheduled for later this year.
Reacting to the victory, the secretary of Kano Pillars Basketball Club, Bashir Musa, described the win as a welcome gift to the newly inaugurated board of the Kano State Sports Commission led by Alhaji Muhammad Tukur Babangida.
He said the players remained focused despite financial challenges and were determined to sustain the team’s impressive performance throughout the championship.
Bashir Musa also expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his continued support and commitment to the team, urging the players to maintain their momentum and work harder towards achieving the club’s objectives.
The NBBF Premier League second phase is being held simultaneously at the Minna and Enugu centres. Kano Pillars will face 313 Warriors in their final match of the phase on Friday.