LOME (FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2016) – Kano Pillars of Nigeria secured their place in the Final Round of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup (ACC) after trouncing Niger’s AS NIGELEC 71-47 on Thursday in Lome, Togo.

With the win the ACC Zone 3 reigning champions not only advanced for the 12-team ACC for the third straight time, but they also finished the qualifier undefeated in four games.

Nigerian international Abubakar Usman led Kano Pillars with a team-best 21 points. He was backed by Ibrahim Yusuf and Abdul Yahaya who combined for 22 points.

On the other hand,Moctar Bako Sina finished with a team-high nine points in the losing cause.

Despite the heavy defeat, Abdoulaye Ibrahim, the team’s head coach admits that the Pillars were too strong for them.

“To have attended this championship was an eye opener for us and we have no regrets about it," he said.

"My players and I have learned from the experienced Kano Pillars as well as from other teams. We just couldn’t hold the Pillars and that's the reason for the huge score. Watch out for us in the future,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kano Pillars coach, Sani Ahmed paid tribute to his players although he explained that the job is not finished yet.

“Every team here in this championship are champions in their own right," the former assistant coach of Nigeria men's national team said. "We needed to get the job done and we did. The task ahead of us in Egypt is not one we are taking lightly. The players and management know we will face a huge task when we go for the final round and as such, there won’t be any rest”, he warned.

The 12-team ACC is scheduled to take place in the Egyptian capital city of Cairo from 8 to 17 December. 

FIBA