By Ado Salisu
Players and officials of Kano Pillars Basketball Team are expected to depart Kano for Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, today, Saturday, ahead of the Nigerian Premier Basketball League Final 8 Championship.
The over 20-member contingent, comprising players, coaches and officials, is in high spirits ahead of the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from August 30 to September 6, 2026.
The Pyramids side secured their qualification ticket after an impressive performance in the first and second phases of the competition held in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and Minna, the Niger State capital, respectively.
Kano Pillars will compete alongside 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, both from Lagos State, as well as the host team, Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking with newsmen, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission (KSSC), Alhaji Muhammad Tukur Babangida, charged the players and coaches to continue projecting the good image of the state and redouble their efforts with the aim of emerging victorious at the end of the championship.
While commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for approving the release of funds to enable Kano Pillars Basketball Team to participate in the Final 8, he urged the players to reciprocate the state government’s gesture by excelling in the tournament and securing qualification to represent Nigeria at the FIBA African Basketball Clubs Championship.
“We really appreciate the state government’s efforts, especially the release of funds. I am sure that, with the calibre of players we have, coupled with the prayers of the people of Kano State, the sky will be their limit,” the chairman said.
It could be recalled that Kano Pillars Basketball Team have won the Nigerian Premier Basketball League title four consecutive times and have also performed impressively in the FIBA Africa Clubs Basketball Championship in previous years.