Gombe State Football Association

Gombe United will play El-Shama FC in the finals of this years state Federation Cup.

The match will be a repeat of last year's final and Gombe United were winners. Can they retain the title they won last year?

GOMBE STATE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MOURNS THE LOSS OF REFEREEING ICON, HON. SANI ZUBAIRU FIFA

The Gombe State Football Association (GSFA) has received with deep sorrow the news of
the passing of the President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA), Hon. Sani Zubairu, who departed in the early hours of today, 24th March 2026, after a brief illness.

Hon. Zubairu was an exemplary figure in Nigerian football, whose immense contributions as a former FIFA referee, Head of the Refereeing Unit of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Secretary of the NFF Referees Committee will never be forgotten. He distinguished himself through dedication, humility, and commitment to the growth and development of refereeing in Nigeria.

His tireless efforts in mentoring upcoming referees and upgrading the standards of
officiating have left an enduring legacy within the football community. He was not only a
leader but also a mentor and role model whose impact will continue to be felt for
generations.

The GSFA joins the Nigeria Football Federation, the Nigeria Football Referees Association, and the entire football fraternity in mourning this great loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and service.

We pray that Almighty God grants Hon. Sani Zubairu eternal rest and gives his loved ones
the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

Signed,
Gombe State Football Association

From our Chairman!

From the desk of our Chairman, Hon. Yakubu Sarma, we wish His Excellency Alh. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya a Happy Birthday.

First Gombe Inter-Security Football Tournament Ends in Style with Green Legacy

The first edition of the Gombe State Inter-Security Agencies Unity Football Competition came to an end at the Pantami Stadium, drawing the curtain on a two-day celebration of unity, teamwork, and environmental sustainability. The initiative, organised by the Gombe State Football Association (FA) with support from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (AcreSAL) and the Gombe Goes Green (3G) project, brought together security agencies in a rare blend of sportsmanship and civic responsibility.

The final, played on Saturday, August 2, featured an intense and entertaining clash between the Nigeria Police and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), ending in a 2-2 draw in regulation time. The Police emerged champions after winning 4-2 on penalties to lift the trophy.

Earlier, the Department of State Services (DSS) edged past the Nigeria Correctional Service to claim third place in the tournament.
Present at the grand finale was the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, who represented His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Dr. Jatau also participated in a symbolic tree planting at the stadium.

“The purpose of this competition is not just to have a winner, but to create synergy between our security agencies and other workforce,” the Deputy Governor stated.

“As the FA Chairman has said, we have selected a 25-man list that will make the State Security Team, to be known as the State Security Unity Team. We would do our best to register the team in the league and give it all necessary supports.”

Awards were presented to outstanding players in the competition, including Best Player, Top Scorer, and Best Goalkeeper, in recognition of exceptional performances throughout the tournament.

The final day of matches followed a tree planting campaign carried out the previous dayAugust 1, as part of the competition’s legacy. The Gombe State FA, in collaboration with AcreSAL and Gombe Goes Green, led representatives from various security agencies in planting trees across major security formations.

Trees were planted at the Gombe State Police Headquarters, the NDLEA Rehabilitation Centre, and the Nigeria Correctional Service Headquarters. Each of the participating agencies also received an additional 240 seedlings to further green their premises and promote climate resilience.

Speaking at the tree planting exercise, FA Chairman Yakubu Sarma highlighted the motivation behind combining environmental action with sporting activities.

“We came up with this Inter-Security tournament to create synergy between security agencies,” he said.
“After all the matches played, we feel it is important that we do something to help sustain the environment, looking at how we are being affected by climate change. Let me use this opportunity to thank all the heads of security agencies for cooperating with us throughout the period of this competition. Indeed, the aim has been achieved. As directed at the opening ceremony, we have selected the best 25 players from the beginning to today that will form the Gombe State Security Team.”

Aminu Maigari Malala, Climate Change Officer who represented AcreSAL Project Coordinator Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, underscored the long-term goals of the tree planting effort.

“We are using trees to mitigate the rate of climate change. It’s not just about planting but maintenance,” he explained.

Reactions from the various agency leaders reflected a shared commitment to environmental sustainability. NDLEA Commandant Bello Mathew Tsaniya expressed gratitude to the organisers:
“We need trees around, and they are very important. They will protect us against strong winds. Maintaining the trees becomes necessary, and we’ll give them all the attention that will help them grow. I congratulate the FA and partners on this initiative.”

Correctional Services Commandant Abdullahi Salisu also applauded the move, “Thank you for recognising us and bringing tree planting to us. It’s a very good thing, especially the economic trees. We may not be around to benefit, but those coming will benefit, and we pray to get the rewards.”

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Colonel Abdullahi Bello (Rtd), offered a government perspective, “I would like to appreciate the FA for coming up with this initiative, and I want to assure you that Gombe State is ready to work with all security agencies to ensure the security of the state.”

Gombe FA Hosts Seminar for State League One Coaches and Club Owners Ahead of 2025 Season

The Gombe State Football Association on Thursday organised a one-day capacity building seminar for club owners and coaches of all 65 teams registered for the 2025 State League One season. The event, held at the Jiyamere Conference Hall and followed by a practical session at the Pantami Stadium, focused on strengthening technical capacity, deepening knowledge of football laws, and embracing modern coaching and media strategies.

Declaring the seminar open, Gombe State FA Chairman, Philibus Yakubu Sarma, emphasized the importance of continuous development for grassroots football stakeholders.

“This seminar is a clear reflection of our commitment to raising the standard of football at the grassroots. Our aim is to equip every coach and club owner with modern knowledge necessary to build competitive and professional teams,” Sarma stated.

Participants were exposed to a series of intensive sessions, including Modern Football Coaching Techniques led by Theophilus Caleb, Assistant Coach of Sporting Lagos FC; and Coaching Guidelines presented by Haruna Abdullahi, Chief Coach of Gombe United FC.

In a technical breakdown of the rules of the game, Ishaya Usman, retired referee and Secretary of the Gombe Referee Council, and Haruna Isah Kalshingi, an NPFL referee and Council’s Training Officer, jointly discussed the Philosophy and Spirit of the Laws of the Game and the Technical Aspects of Officiating.

Highlighting the media's strategic role, Mark Malele, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Gombe Chapter, delivered a session on The Role of Media in Grassroots Football Development.

“Media coverage helps build identity and support for our grassroots clubs. It also serves as a tool for accountability, promotion, and attracting potential sponsors,” Malele noted.

Speaking during the event, Anas Bamusa, General Manager of Gombe United FC, commended the FA’s initiative.

“This kind of initiative is rare and commendable. Investing in capacity development at this level will reflect positively in the quality of play and management in the league,” Bamusa said.

The seminar concluded with a practical session at the Pantami Stadium, allowing participants to implement what they had learned in real-time coaching scenarios.

All participants received certificates of participation at the end of the workshop. The training was organized as part of the preparations for the kickoff of the 2025 State League One season scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at the Pantami Stadium.

GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM THE GOMBE STATE FA

CHAIRMAN*Dear esteemed members, stakeholders, and football enthusiasts,As we bid farewell to the year 2024, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your tireless efforts, unwavering support, and unrelenting passion for the beautiful game.

The year 2024 has been an incredible journey for our state's football community. We've witnessed remarkable growth, exciting competitions, and inspiring stories of triumph. From our grassroots development programs to our elite teams, we've made significant strides in promoting the sport and nurturing talent.

I would like to extend special appreciation to:

> His Excellency Alh Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON, Danmajen Gombe. The Executive Governor of our dear state

> Hon. Commissioner of Youth & Sports

> All critical stakeholders

> Our member clubs and associations for their dedication and hard work.

> Our coaches, players, and officials for their commitment to excellence.

> Our sponsors and partners for their invaluable support.

> Our volunteers and staff for their selfless service.

As we embark on a new year, I wish you all a joyous, prosperous, and successful 2025.

May this year bring us:

> More exciting matches and memorable moments.

> Greater opportunities for growth and development.

> Deeper connections and stronger relationships within our football community.

> Continued success and recognition for our state's football talents.

Let us continue to work together, strive for excellence, and promote the values of fair play, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Thank you once again for your contributions to our state's football ecosystem.

Happy New Year!

Sincerely,Yakubu Sarma
Barwan WajaChairman,
Gombe State Football Association

To an outstanding leader and public servant, happy birthday.

Your Excellency Alh.Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON Dan Majen Gombe, may your vision for our state continue to inspire and prosper.

As you celebrate another year of life, we are grateful for your tireless efforts to improve our state. Here's to many more years of service and success!

As a true champion of our state's progress, your dedication is appreciated and celebrated today and every day. From all of us at the GOMBE STATE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, we wish you a joyous birthday, Dan Majen Gombe!

FA Boss Yakubu Sarma Lauds Governor Yahaya's Legal Victory: A Testimony to Strong Leadership in Gombe State.

In a historic win at the Supreme Court today, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya emerged victorious in a case that has been closely watched by citizens across Gombe state. The triumph was celebrated not only as a personal achievement for Governor Yahaya but also as a victory for justice and the people of Gombe.

Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association (GSFA) and Senior Special Assistant for General Services, Yakubu Sarma, expressed his congratulations to the Governor in a statement released shortly after the court's decision.

"I am writing to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the victorious outcome at the Supreme Court today. This remarkable victory is a testament to your unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and exceptional leadership in service to our dear state," Sarma conveyed in his message.

Sarma went on to highlight the significance of the win, noting that it not only demonstrated the strength of Governor Yahaya's case but also served as a source of inspiration for the citizens of Gombe. "Your steadfast commitment to upholding justice and fairness has not gone unnoticed, and it fills me with immense pride to have you as my Governor," he added.

The SSA commended the Governor's relentless pursuit of the common good and tireless work towards the betterment of Gombe state. "This triumph is undoubtedly a testament to the trust and support you have earned from the citizens of Gombe state," Sarma said.

As the victory was celebrated, Sarma urged reflection on the responsibilities ahead. "Today, as we celebrate this triumph, let us also reflect on the responsibility ahead. I am confident that under your visionary leadership, our state will continue to reach new heights of success and prosperity," he expressed.

Sarma extended his best wishes to the people of Gombe state, emphasizing the importance of forging a path of progress, unity, and prosperity guided by the principles of justice and fairness. "Congratulations once again, Your Excellency Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON, Dan Majen Gombe & Chairman Northern Governors Forum! Let these cherished moments strengthen our resolve to make Gombe state an even better place for generations to come,"

Sarma concluded.Recall that Governor Inuwa Yahaya was reelected in 2023 for the second term.

Our chairman Mr Philibus Yakubu Sarma, Board Members, Local Government Football Council Chairmen, Affiliated Associations and other supporters paid homage to the Emir of Dukku, HRH Alh. Harun Abdulkadir Rasheed in his palace, just before heading to the Dukku Stadium to watch the Barwan Waja football competition final on Thursday.