By Ado Salisu_
The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, has described the Gombe Emir’s Cup as a platform for discovering talented players who can use the opportunity to pursue professional careers and global prospects.
The Emir made the remark during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Gombe Emir’s Cup, tagged “King’s Cup,” at Pantami Stadium, Gombe. The competition is organised and sponsored by Hon. Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe, Chief Executive Officer of Green White Green.
Represented by the Wakilin Birnin Gombe, Alhaji Dalhatu Babayo, the Emir said the tournament gives young footballers an avenue to showcase their talents and attract scouts and stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria.
He urged participants across the state to demonstrate sportsmanship, discipline, and unity throughout the competition.
The Emir also commended Hon. Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe for sponsoring the tournament and called for more sporting activities to engage young people positively and promote peace and unity across the state.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, represented by NFF Executive Committee member Mr. Timothy Heman Magaji, described the Emir’s Cup as a major competition. He pledged the federation’s support to ensure a successful championship.
Gusau reaffirmed the NFF’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to further develop football nationwide.
In his welcome address, the sponsor, Hon. Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe, appreciated the Gombe State Government, the Gombe Emirate Council, and all individuals and organisations that contributed to the successful opening ceremony.
He called for continued support during the preliminary and knockout stages and pledged to sustain the competition as an annual event.
According to him, the championship is his contribution to football development and to promoting peace, unity, and understanding among emirates in the state.
The opening ceremony attracted dignitaries, traditional title holders, and football stakeholders from within and outside Gombe State.
In the opening match, Gombe Emirate and Nafada Emirate played out a goalless draw. Preliminary matches are scheduled to begin soon.
Highlights of the event included the official declaration of the tournament open.
