By Ado Salisu
Four Emirate Council football teams will battle for places in the final of the ongoing 2026 Gombe Emir’s Cup, also known as the King’s Cup, as the semi-final matches begin on Monday.
According to the fixtures released by the tournament’s Organising Committee, Funakaye Emirate Council will face the Late Shehu Abubakar Emirate Council in the first semi-final on Monday, August 3, at the Army Barracks Football Pitch.
The second semi-final will be played on Tuesday, August 4, with Nafada Emirate Council taking on Dukku Emirate Council at the same venue from 3:00 p.m.
Funakaye reached the last four after defeating Gombe Emirate Council 3-1, while Late Shehu Abubakar Emirate Council edged Tula Traditional Council 1-0. Nafada secured a 2-1 victory over Pindiga, while 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 and strengthen unity, peace and cordial relationships among the diverse ethnic communities in the 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 will be held at Pantami Stadium, with several dignitaries from within and outside Gombe State expected to attend.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is expected to lead the special guests, alongside the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, top football administrators, commissioners, special advisers and traditional rulers.
