By Ado Salisu
MINNA
Kano Pillars Basketball Club began the second phase of the Nigerian Premier League on a strong note on Saturday, defeating hosts Niger Potters 97-67 in Minna, Niger State.
The victory came amid lingering financial challenges, as the club reportedly travelled for the Minna phase without funds released by the Kano State Government.
Organised by the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, the league will determine Nigeria’s representatives for this year’s FIBA Africa Clubs Continental Championship.
Pillars secured qualification for the second phase after an impressive outing in the first phase in Jos, Plateau State. But the team’s management said it had to borrow money to honour fixtures in Jos due to non-release of subvention.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s total financial backing is needed for the team to sustain this impressive run in the Nigerian league, West Africa Zone 3 qualifiers and FIBA Africa,” a team official said.
Kano Pillars have won multiple national league titles and represented Nigeria creditably in West Africa Zone 3 and FIBA Africa competitions in the past.
The club urged the governor to urgently intervene to provide a lasting solution, noting that sustained support would help project the image of his administration through sports.
Pillars will face Gombe Bulls in their second match today.
The top four teams from the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences will advance to the Final 8 later this year.
