By Ado Salisu
The quarter-finals of the 2026 Gombe Emir’s Cup, tagged the King’s Cup, will begin on Saturday, July 18, at the Deba Township Stadium by 3:00 p.m.
According to the fixtures released ahead of the knockout stage, the Gombe Emirate Council team will battle the Funakaye Emirate Council team for a place in the semi-finals.
Both teams secured qualification to this stage after impressive performances in the earlier rounds, and Saturday’s encounter will determine who moves one step closer to lifting the coveted trophy.
The tournament was organised and sponsored by Hon. Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe, Chief Executive Officer of Green White Green, as part of his contribution towards youth development, sports promotion, and unity across Gombe State.
The match is expected to be a keenly contested affair, with both sides parading talented and skilful young players.
The outcome remains difficult to predict, as fans will have to wait until the final whistle of what promises to be an energy-sapping 90-minute encounter.
Supporters of both teams and football enthusiasts across Gombe State are expected to turn out in large numbers to cheer their favourite teams.
Other quarter-final fixtures include Late Shehu Abubakar team against Tula Traditional Council on Sunday, July 19; Pindiga versus Nafada Emirate Council on July 20; and Dukku Emirate Council team facing Dadiya Traditional Council on July 21.
Football stakeholders who spoke on the championship commended Hon. Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe, a former chairman of the Gombe State Football Association and former chairman of Gombe United FC, for his vision and commitment towards reviving the Emir’s Cup in the state.
The dates for the semi-final and final matches will be announced later.