Unity in Action: Defending Champions,Binge Flying Bees vs Super Lions to Light Up Adamu Yola Cup 2025 Opener

By Halilu Mohammed Teli 

Football fever is set to grip Gombe South once again as the 9th edition of the Adamu Yola Gombe South Unity Cup officially kicks off, with Binge Flying Bees taking on Super Lions Kalshin in what promises to be a thrilling opening encounter on the 5th of December 2025, at Olusegun Obasanjo Stadium, Kaltugo.

This year’s draws, conducted at Amdo Adore Event Center, Kaltugo,Kaltungo Local Government Area, brought together a record 64 football clubs drawn from across Kaltungo, Billiri, Balanga, and Shongom LGAs. The massive turnout underlines the competition’s reputation as the biggest grassroots football tournament in Gombe State and one of the most consistent community-driven competitions in Nigeria.

The clubs were grouped into different centres:

Kaltungo Centre: 37 clubs, grouped into Pools A–I

Billiri Centre: 18 clubs, grouped into Pools A–E

Shongom Centre: 9 clubs, grouped into Pools A–B

This wide participation highlights the growing interest of young players in grassroots sports, many of whom see the tournament as a stepping stone to professional football.

Addressing journalists and stakeholders during the draws, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Promise Uwaeme, hailed the sponsor for sustaining the competition for nearly a decade.

“This competition is more than just football it is about bringing people together, building peace, and providing a positive outlet for our youths. Football has the power to unite communities, and that is what we are witnessing in Gombe South,” Uwaeme said.

He explained that this year’s edition would witness a new innovation: the Round of 16 matches will be played across three centres Kaltungo, Billiri, and Filiya to give more fans the opportunity to watch live games in their communities.

Uwaeme explained further that for the first time, 16 matches will be live-streamed across various social media platforms, ensuring that fans who cannot be at the venues will still follow the action. Organizers believe this move will not only promote the tournament but also give exposure to local talents who might catch the attention of scouts and clubs within and outside Nigeria.

 “By live streaming, we are taking grassroots football in Gombe South to the world. This is an opportunity for young talents to be seen and celebrated,” Uwaeme added.

He, however, issued a strong caution to participating teams, stressing that cheating, fielding ineligible players, or any act of indiscipline will not be tolerated.

“The rules are clear. Any team that goes against them will face sanctions. We want a fair and transparent competition,” he declared.

He also reminded stakeholders that Kalarin United remains suspended for taking its grievance to a regular court instead of using the competition’s dispute resolution mechanisms.

Since its inception, the Adamu Yola Unity Cup has become a rallying point for football lovers across Gombe South. 

Beyond the excitement on the pitch, the competition boosts local economies as food vendors, transport operators, and small businesses benefit from the influx of fans.

For young players, the tournament is more than just a competition ,it is a chance to showcase talent, attract scouts, and dream of a future in professional football.

With the draws completed and fixtures released, anticipation is building across the participating LGAs. Fans of Binge Flying Bees and Super Lions Kalshin are already hyping up the opening game, which is expected to set the tone for the rest of the competition.

As excitement mounts, one thing is certain: the 9th Adamu Yola Gombe South Unity Cup will not just deliver football,it will showcase unity, culture, and the unrelenting passion for grassroots sports in Gombe State.