The organising committee of the Gombe Emir’s Cup 2026 says it has concluded arrangements for the successful staging of the grassroots football tournament scheduled to begin on June 13.

The tournament will kick off with an opening ceremony at Pantami Stadium in Gombe at 3:00 p.m.

The annual competition, which features teams representing Emirates and chiefdoms across the state, is aimed at promoting unity, youth development and sporting excellence through football and community engagement.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the sponsor and former chairman of the Gombe State Football Association, Ahmed Gara-Gombe, said the competition had become an important platform for talent discovery and youth empowerment.

He said the tournament also served as a vehicle for promoting friendship, peaceful coexistence and stronger relationships among communities in the state.

“We are committed to providing opportunities for young footballers to showcase their abilities and pursue their dreams in the game. The tournament represents more than football; it is a platform for unity, discipline and community development. The Gombe Emir’s Cup continues to bring our people together and strengthen the bonds that unite us as one state,” he said.

Mr Gara-Gombe said grassroots sports development remained critical to producing future stars capable of representing the state and the country with distinction. According to him, investing in young people through sports is an investment in a brighter and more productive future.

He added that the sponsorship was intended to strengthen relationships among football stakeholders and advance grassroots sports development in the state.

Mr Gara-Gombe said traditional rulers, government officials, football administrators, participating teams and sports enthusiasts were expected to attend the opening ceremony. The tournament is being organised by GWG Sports Centre Ltd. under the leadership of Gara-Gombe.

The organisers expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would consolidate the competition’s status as one of the leading grassroots football tournaments in Northern Nigeria.

They also urged football lovers, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the competition to enhance social cohesion, community engagement and football development in the state.

(NAN)