Kano Pillars basketball team will depart Kano for Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday ahead of the Nigerian Premier Basketball League Final 8 Championship.
The competition is scheduled to take place from 30 August to 6 September 2026.
The over-20-man contingent, comprising players, coaches and officials, is in high spirits as the team prepares for the championship.
Kano Pillars secured its place in the Final 8 after an impressive performance in the first and second phases of the league held in Jos, Plateau State, and Minna, Niger State, respectively.
The Kano-based side will battle 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 of Lagos, as well as the host club, Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt.
Speaking with journalists, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, charged the players and coaches to remain focused and continue to project the good image of the state throughout the championship.
Babangida also urged the team to reciprocate the support of the state government by delivering an outstanding performance and securing the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the FIBA African Basketball Clubs Championship.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for approving the release of funds to enable Kano Pillars to participate in the Final 8.
“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 the prayers of the people of Kano State, the sky will be their limit,” he said.
Kano Pillars have dominated the Nigerian Premier Basketball League in recent years, winning the title for four consecutive seasons, while also representing Nigeria at the FIBA Africa Clubs Basketball Championship.
The team will now seek to add another major achievement by winning the Final 8 and securing qualification for the continental championship.
