By Ado Salisu
Four Emirate Council football teams will battle for places in the final of the ongoing 2026 Gombe Emir’s Cup, tagged the “Kings Cup,” with the semi-final matches scheduled to 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, 2026, 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, starting at 3:00 p.m.
To reach the last four, Funakaye defeated Gombe Emirate Council 3-1, while Late Shehu Abubakar edged Tula Traditional Council 1-0. Nafada overcame Pindiga 2-1, and Dukku booked their place 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 his efforts to promote grassroots football and foster unity, peace and cordial relationships among the various ethnic communities in Gombe State.
Football enthusiasts, supporters of the participating teams and members of the media are expected to witness the highly anticipated semi-final clashes.
The competition will culminate in a grand final and closing ceremony at Pantami Stadium, with Governor Inuwa Yahaya expected to lead a host of dignitaries.
Among those expected at the event are the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, senior football administrators, commissioners, special advisers, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests.