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.