Kano Pillars and Gombe Bulls emerged as winner and runners-up respectively at the end of the 2017 FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers held in Lagos.
The two Nigerian teams earned the right to represent the zone at the 2017 FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup, ahead of their compatriots Mark Mentors who finished third.
The qualifying tournament hosted by the Nigerian Basketball Federation experienced a low turnout due to non-participation of majority of the clubs from the eight member nations which make up FIBA Africa Zone 3.
In fact, only Nigeria (who had four representatives after FIBA approved two wild card slots), Ghana and Benin Republic had representatives to make for a total of six clubs that participated at this year's edition.
As it happened, Civil Defenders of Abuja, Nigeria's fourth representatives, pulled out of the tournament for undisclosed reasons at the conclusion of match day 2 after losing their opening two games 76-66 against Gombe Bulls and 92-91 against Kano Pillars.
This left Kano Pillars, Gombe Bulls and Mark Mentors (Nigeria), Custom Braves (Ghana) and ASPAC (Benin Republic) as the five teams to play in the tournament to its conclusion.
Kano Pillars and Gombe Bulls extended their dominance and rivalry from the Kwesé Premier Basketball League, easily being the best teams on parade at the week-long tournament. Pillars won all five matches, while Gombe Bulls recorded their only loss to the eventual champions 75-60 on match day 4.
Abdul Yahaya of Kano Pillars was selected MVP, while veteran teammate Usman Abubakar emerged as the leader in 3-points and assist at the conclusion of the tournament.
The competition's best 5 players comprised: Abdul Yahaya, Usman Abubakar (Kano Pillars), Victor Ocheibi (Mark Mentors), Kator Gar (Gombe Bulls) and Baniba Dodzi (Customs).
Up next for the two representatives is the 2017 FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup which will be held from 11-20 December in Rades, Tunisia.
Kano Pillars will be looking to better their fourth-place finish at last year's edition while Gombe Bulls are debutants.