Amid swirling rumours suggesting Gombe United’s potential abandonment of their NPFL Match Day 22 fixture against Enyimba, the Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association, Philibus Yakubu Sarma, has denied such claims, denouncing them as malicious attempts to undermine the state’s commitment to football development.
“These reports are not only lying from the pit of hell but it’s one of the many attempts of the enemies of the Gombe State Government, Gombe State Football, Northern Football Family, and of course, the Nigeria Premier Football League,” declared Sarma, refuting the circulating falsehoods.
He clarified that while the team encountered a setback due to a mechanical issue with their bus between Lafia and Makurdi, efforts were underway to rectify the situation swiftly. “Even though they left Gombe a bit late (1 pm to be precise) to drive through the night to sleep over at Enugu and enter Aba this morning. Unfortunately, the team bus developed a mechanical issue between Lafia and Makurdi and efforts are ongoing to get the vehicle back on the road,” Sarma explained.
Assuring the public of the state government’s unwavering support for Gombe United, Sarma disclosed that alternative arrangements had been made to ensure the team’s timely arrival for the crucial match. “While this effort is still on, the government of the state also directed for another bus to proceed to convey the players and officials to the commercial hub of eastern Nigeria,” he stated.
Despite facing challenges in contacting the league management during the early hours, Sarma emphasized the collective commitment of the state government, football association, and club management to uphold the integrity of the NPFL and ensure Gombe United’s participation.
“The Government is committed to the welfare of all the people, and Gombe United is very dear to the heart of His Excellency, Mahammadu Inuwa Yahaya,” Sarma affirmed.
With Gombe United coming off a resounding 2-0 victory against Sporting Lagos in week 21, the team remains steadfast in their determination to compete in the NPFL, with their clash against Enyimba poised to be a test of their resilience and resolve.
