Sports
Aiteo Cup: Govt Probes Niger Tornadoes’ Missing N10m Price
The Niger State government yesterday said that it had began investigation into the missing 10 million Naira 2017 Aiteo Cup prize money won by Niger Tornadoes FC.
The State Commissioner for Sports Development Mr Emmanuel Babur, made this known during an interview with newsmen in Minna.
Tidesports source gathered that Niger Tornadoes FC won the cash prize money of 10 million Naira for finishing as runners-up of the Aiteo Cup.
Akwa United defeated Niger Tornadoes FC 3-2 in penalty kicks on October 15, 2017 during the finals of the 2017 AITEO Cup at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.
Tidesports source reports that Akwa United got N25 million for winning the cup.
Babur said that government could not sit down and watch the drama surrounding the 2017 AITEO N10 million prize belonging to the state-owned football club.
He explained that government had the right to investigate the issue because the club was fully sponsored by government.
“We are worried because the money has not entered management’s account or the state government’s account.
“We have contacted the League Management Company and AITEO, sponsor of the league and they confirmed to us that the N10 million was paid to Niger Tornadoes.
“They even showed us acknowledgement receipt on how the money was received.
“After that we invited the current management of the club over the issue and they told us that they never received such money.
“We went further to scrutinise the club’s account and no such money was credited,’’ he said.
The commissioner also said that the ministry had invited the state FA to come and explain the issue.
“Our searchlight now is on the state FA, we have invited the vice chairman to come and give explanation on the issue. We want to know whether they collected it,’’ he said.
When contacted on the issue, vice chairman, state FA Mr Yabagi Baba, told newsmen that the body never received such money, adding that government should approach the central organiser of the AITEO Cup for the money.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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