Eight football teams from eight emirates havebsecured qualification to the quarter-finals of the 2026 edition of Gombe Emir’s Cup.
This follows the successfully completion of the preliminary matches held across three designated centres: Bajoga, Billiri and Deba.
The annual soccer fiesta, being organised by the GWG Sports Centre under the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu-Gara Gombe, is aimed at promoting grassroots football, discovering young talents and fostering unity among the state’s diverse ethnic communities through sports.
At the Bajoga Centre, Gombe Emirate Council topped the group with seven points after recording two wins and a draw. Tula Traditional Council finished second with six points, while Nafada Emirate Council placed third with four points and advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
In the Billiri Centre, the Late Shehu Abubakar Team and Funakaye Emirate Council both qualified for the quarter-finals after finishing with seven points each.
At the Deba Centre, Pindiga Emirate Council topped the group with five points following an unbeaten campaign. Dukku Emirate Council finished second with four points, while Dadiya Traditional Council also secured four points to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
According to the quarter-final fixtures released by the organisers, Gombe Emirate Council will face Funakaye Emirate Council, while the Late Shehu Abubakar Team will take on Tula Traditional Council. Pindiga Emirate Council will meet Nafada Emirate Council, and Dukku Emirate Council will clash with Dadiya Traditional Council.