By Ado Salisu
Eight emirate football teams have qualified for the quarter-finals of the ongoing Gombe Emir’s Cup Football Competition following the successful conclusion of the preliminary stage held across three designated centres—Bajoga, Billiri, and Deba.
The tournament, organised by the GWG Sports Centre under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu Gara, 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 finished top of the group with seven points after recording two wins and one draw. Tula Traditional Council secured second place with six points, while Nafada Emirate Council finished third with four points and advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
At the Billiri Centre, the Late Shehu Abubakar Team and Funakaye Emirate Council both qualified for the quarter-finals after finishing with seven points each.
In the Deba Centre, Pindiga Emirate Council topped the group with five points after an unbeaten run. Dukku Emirate Council finished second with four points, while Dadiya Traditional Council also secured four points to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
The quarter-final fixtures have also been released, with Gombe Emirate Council set to face Funakaye Emirate Council. The Late Shehu Abubakar Team will take on Tula Traditional Council, while Pindiga Emirate Council will battle Nafada Emirate Council. Dukku Emirate Council will square off against Dadiya Traditional Council for a place in the semi-finals.