By Ado Salisu, Kano
Players of Kano Pillars basketball team are expected to leave Kano to Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital Saturday, 29th August, 2026 ahead of the Nigerian Premier Basketball League tagged “Final 8 Championship”.
The over 20-man contingent which consists of players, coaches and officials are in high spirits ahead of the tournament scheduled to commence from August 30th to September 6, 2026.
The Pyramids side secured the qualification ticket after excelling in the first and second phase of the competition in Jos, the Plateau State capital and Minna, the Niger State capital respectively.
The team is expected to 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 of Lagos State as well as the host team, Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking with newsmen, the Executive Chairman of Kano State Sports Commission (KSSC), Alhaji Muhammad Tukur Babangida charged the players and coaches to continue to project the image of the state as well as redouble their performance aimed at emerging victorious at the end the championship.
While commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for approving the release of funds to enable the state’s darling team participate in the Final 8, he charged them to reciprocate the state government’s gesture by excelling in the tournament and eventually represent the country at FIBA African Clubs Championship.
”We really appreciate the state government’s efforts especially in releasing the funds and I’m sure with the calibre of the players coupled with prayers from the people of Kano State, the sky will be their limit,” the chairman explained.
It would be recalled that the team have won the Nigerian Premier Basketball League for four consecutive times and excelled in the FIBA Africa Clubs Championship some years ago.
