Gombe Emir’s Cup: Royal Committee appoints 15 coordinators ahead of 2026 grassroots tournament
By Uzor Odigbo
The Royal Organising Committee (ROC) has appointed coordinators for the forthcoming Gombe Emir’s Cup Football Competition, one for each of the 15 emirates, chiefdoms, and traditional councils across Gombe State.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Medical and Health Workers Union Secretariat, Federal Low Cost, Gombe Metropolis.
Chairman of the Royal Organising Committee, Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, who also sponsors the event through Green White Green Sports Center Ltd., led the proceedings, supported by Vice Chairman Alhaji Auwal Musa Umar and other committee members.
The appointments follow a successful statewide trophy tour to all 15 traditional jurisdictions, building momentum for the competition.
The tournament aims to promote peace, unearth grassroots football talents, and foster unity among traditional institutions in Gombe State.
The appointed coordinators and their respective areas are:
*Umar Garba Kenya – Nafada Emirate
*Aliyu Lamid – Funakaye Emirate
*Muhammad Musa Baba – Akko Emirate
*Ibrahim Mohammed Suleiman – Kaltungo Traditional Council
*Malam Hashimu Ibrahim – Gombe Emirate
*Salisu Shuaibu Umar – Dadiya Traditional Council
*Ibrahim Manzo – Pindiga Emirate
*Sani Babayo – Tula Traditional Council
*Malam Hassan Bebeto – Gona Emirate
*Abubakar Magaji – Dukku Emirate
*Sharu Garba Sidi – Yamaltu Emirate
*Kudemcy Abubakar – Deba Emirate
*Babawuro Mohammed – Cham Chiefdom
*Jamilu Rabiu – Tangale Chiefdom
*Ibrahim Yahaya Sambo – Waja Chiefdom
Coordinators were selected through a transparent ballot process, with each participant drawing to determine their assigned jurisdiction.
The committee directed coordinators to collaborate closely with football teams in their areas, providing guidance on rules, regulations, registration, and preparation.
Four centres have been designated for the preliminary rounds: Bajoga, Deba, Gombe Metropolis, and Kaltungo.
Next on the agenda are the official draw for the competition and referee training on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, which will be deployed for select matches—including the opening game and final—to elevate officiating standards in this grassroots event.
Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe urged coordinators to uphold professionalism and strictly adhere to competition guidelines, warning that any violation would result in immediate dismissal.
