Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello has charged the Niger Tornadoes to go for the cup as they face Akwa United FC inthe AITEO Cup final on Sunday.

In a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Governor said the state would continue to support the team to ensure victories in all their matches.

Bello said: “I am overwhelmed with the success the team has recorded so far in maintaining their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) status as they now qualify for the cup finals. I am proud of them.

“Eliminating the newly crowned NPFL champion, the Plateau United in the quarter-final stage as well as kicking out the cup defending champion FC Ifeanyi Ubah (FCIU) is a clear demonstration that the boys are hungry for the cup and we are going to support them.

“We will be in Lagos with the team, we will cheer them up to victory against Akwa United who last won the Cup in 2016, we believe they can do it. We are together with the entire team.”

The Governor added that the boys should go and play with their whole hearts with full determination as the government will ensure that all their dues would be given to them accordingly.

The coveted AITEO trophy was last won by Niger State in 2001. Niger Tornadoes got to this year's final after beating FCIU 4-3 on aggregate, winning 4-2 in Lokoja and losing 0-1 in Nnewi to the Anambra warriors.

The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmad Mohammed Ketso and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Marafa, will lead the state government delegation to the final. In addition, a large contingent of supporters from the state would be in Lagos to cheer the team to victory.

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