By Ado Salisu
Players of the Kano Pillars Volleyball Team, currently participating in the ongoing Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Premier League in Abuja, may be forced out of their hotel due to the inability of the Kano State Sports Commission to settle their accommodation bills.
The former Nigerian champions, who have won the Premier League title twice and represented Nigeria with distinction in the African Confederation Cup, are currently facing a severe financial crisis that could negatively affect their performance in the competition.
Sources close to the team revealed that the players travelled from Kano to Abuja with the expectation that the Kano State Government would release funds to cover their allowances, accommodation, and other logistics throughout the 16-day tournament.
It was also gathered that the team had to borrow money to cover fuel costs and other incidental expenses in order to participate in the championship.
“As we speak, the players have been ejected by the hotel management despite our pleas. We have already communicated our situation to the Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Dr. Murtala Musa Dagumawa, and appealed for his urgent intervention.
“Honestly, sports in Kano State are experiencing serious financial challenges, and it appears that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is not paying adequate attention to the welfare of players, coaches, and officials,” the source said.
When contacted, Dr. Dagumawa confirmed the financial difficulties facing the commission but stated that efforts were being made to address the situation.
He assured that the state government would continue to do its best to ensure that Kano maintains its impressive record in national and international sporting engagements.
