…May Boycott Premier League Phase in Minna
By Ado Salisu
About 70 per cent of players of Kano Pillars Basketball Club have reportedly abandoned the team’s camp over alleged ill-treatment by the management of the Kano State Sports Commission.
The club, which recently secured qualification for the next phase of the Nigerian Premier Basketball League organised by the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), is said to be facing serious financial difficulties..
Findings by medium revealed that despite the team’s impressive performance during the first phase of the league in Jos, Plateau State, which earned them a place in the second phase scheduled to commence on June 17, 2026, in Minna, Niger State, many players have left the camp in protest over their welfare conditions.
Sources close to the team disclosed that the club had struggled financially even during the first phase of the competition, allegedly resorting to borrowing funds to participate in the Jos tournament due to the non-release of funds by the Kano State Government.
A source told reporter that as of Sunday, June 7, 2026, about 70 per cent of the players had left the camp and returned to their various destinations, citing a lack of improvement in their welfare and uncertainty over the future.
“It is unfortunate that just days before the second phase of the league in Minna, we are yet to receive our allowances and other entitlements, not to mention adequate preparations for the competition,” the source said.
“Kano Pillars Basketball Club has won several league titles in Nigeria and performed creditably in the West Africa Zone 3 qualifiers and the FIBA Africa Clubs Championship in the past. It is disheartening that we are now struggling to prepare for the Savannah Conference,” the source added.
The source appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to urgently intervene and address the challenges facing the club and sports development in the state.
When contacted, the Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Dr Murtala Musa Dagumawa, confirmed that funds had yet to be released but expressed optimism that the situation would soon be resolved.
On the reported departure of players from the camp, Dagumawa said he was unaware of any such development.
“I am not aware that any player has left the camp. The commission maintains regular communication with the club secretary regarding the welfare and activities of the players, and no such report has been brought to our attention,” he said.
