Ado Salisu
Four Emirate Council football teams will battle for places in the final of the 2026 Gombe Emir’s Cup, tagged “Kings Cup,” as the competition reaches its semi-final stage.
According to the fixtures released by the tournament’s Organising Committee, Funakaye Emirate Council will face Late Shehu Abubakar Emirate Council in the first semi-final on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the Army Barracks Football Pitch in Gombe.
The second semi-final will see Nafada Emirate Council take on Dukku Emirate Council on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the same venue, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Funakaye booked their place in the last four with a 3-1 victory over Gombe Emirate Council, while Late Shehu Abubakar Emirate Council edged Tula Traditional Council 1-0. Nafada defeated Pindiga 2-1, and Dukku advanced after defeating Dadiya Traditional Council 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The tournament is organised and sponsored by the Chief Executive Officer of Green White Green Outfit, Hon. Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe, as part of efforts to promote grassroots football, foster unity, strengthen peaceful coexistence, and enhance cordial relationships among the diverse ethnic communities in Gombe State.
Football enthusiasts, supporters of the participating teams, and members of the media are expected to witness the keenly contested semi-final matches.
The grand finale is scheduled to take place at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe, and is expected to attract top government officials, football administrators, and traditional rulers.
Among the expected dignitaries are Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, commissioners, special advisers, football stakeholders, and other distinguished guests.