AFRICA CHAMPIONS CUP: NBBF charges Pillars, Customs to go for glory

By Akeem Lawal

PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Basketball Federation Tijani Umar has charged the country's representatives to the FIBA Zone 3 African Champions Cup (ACC) qualifiers, Kano Pillars and Nigeria Customs to aim for top place finish at the competition.

Kano Pillars beat Nigeria Customs 71-53 over the weekend in Lagos to become the 2016 DSTV Premier League Basketball champions, though both teams will participate at the ACC, whose hosts and schedule are yet to be confirmed, reports Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com.

Two-time ACC bronze medalist (1985 and 1987), Kano Pillars claimed a Seventh-Place in last year’s ACC in Luanda, Angola, thanks to a 77-75 success over Cape Verde champions Bairro.

Speaking on Pillars and Customs continental chances, Umar said, “Pillars are back to where they’ve always been over the years. We have had challenges with the teams who represent us on the continent. My expectation is that this year, Kano Pillars will rise and surpass past exploits. They must get creative and better and they must play in the mold of the Kano Pillars of old.

“Customs must regroup, buy better players and put more resources on the table, so that when they go into the tournament, Nigeria can stand tall and at least get to the semi final", said the federation president.

In the third place match, Rivers Hoopers defeated Kwara Falcons 59-57 points, while in other classification games, Plateau Peaks beat Nigeria Potters to emerge as fifth and sixth placed teams, respectively. Gombe Bulls took a 75-50 point win over Oluyole Warriors to take seventh and eight positions. 

At the end of the games, Abubakar Usman of Kano Pillars who was named the Most Valuable Player also won the Best 3-point and finals highest scorer award. Romeo Wilfred emerged the highest rebounder while his team, Kwara Falcons went away with the Fair Play trophy.

Speaking after the action-packed games, Marketing Manager, DStv Nigeria, Chioma Afe expressed delight over the high standard of play exhibited during the finals.

“We are very happy with the passion, dedication and commitment of the players, coaches and administrators of the game during this league season. At DStv, we are excited at the progress basketball is making, which is indicated in the number of fans returning to court. We are fully committed to enhancing the game in Nigeria by introducing innovation and excitement in the coming season,” Afe said. 

The lively occasion also featured a FIBA 3x3 basketball game with select players from the league for the first time in Nigeria. 

There was also a musical performance from the award winning Gongo Aso crooner, 9ce who thrilled the audience with a mash-up of his various hits like Street Credibility, No be mistake, while Nigeria’s finest dance crew, Dance Na the Main Thing, DNMT  engaged the energetic cheer leaders in a dance performance at half time.