Photo: St Peter and Paul (New Site)
By: Mandy Park
The race for Lugbe Deanery Catholic Men Organization (CMO) Football Tournament glory is intensifying as the group stage enters its final matchday on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
The tournament organised by the Lugbe Deanery CMO in the Archdiocese of Abuja, and themed: “Building Bonds of Brotherhood Through Football”, was declared open by the Archdiocesan CMO President, Brother Onowu Paul Obi Ayaeze, KSJI, on May 9, 2026.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Brother Sunday Otori, said the tournament was going on well as planned while presenting a progress report during the Lugbe Deanery CMO General Council Meeting on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at St Peter Parish, Chukuku in Kuje Area Council.
According to Brother Otori, who is also the Vice President (VP) of the Lugbe Deanery CMO, “The 26 parishes and pastoral areas of the Lugbe Deanery were split into six groups for the preliminary round. The top two teams from each group, alongside the four best third-placed teams will advance to the second round of 16 (knockout stage). The knockout fixtures will be released by the technical subcommittee after the final group stage matches on Saturday, June 13, 2026.”
He noted that “The tournament has been well-coordinated, competitive and enjoyable, living up to its billing. Unity and sportsmanship have been on display, true to the CMO Lugbe Deanery’s goal of building brotherhood among members.”
He thanked Lugbe Deanery CMO President, Engr. Felix Okeke, for his support and the trust placed in the Organising Committee, whose members hhaveso far worked tirelessly to ensure the tournament’s success . The Chairman appreciated the various subcommittees for their sacrifices, particularly, the technical and media/publicity subcommittees.
Reacting to the Chairman’s report, the Deanery CMO President, Engr. Okeke applauded the organising committee for not disappointing the Executive Council.
He expressed appreciation to the committee members for remaining committed to the championship, despite sponsorship efforts that did not materialise and limited funding.
As the elimination stage approaches, top teams from each group have secured strong positions ahead of the knockouts. While Group A and B which has 5 teams each are yet to complete their preliminary stage matches, Group C, D, and E with 4 teams each have concluded theirs.
With few matches left to be played in Group A and B, St. Linus Chika/Aleita and St. Martins Lugbe are currently the top two teams in Group A. Meanwhile, St. Peter & Paul (New Site) and St. Monica (Sauka Kahuta) occupy 1st and 2nd place on the Group B table.
At the end of the Group C matches, St Kizito Kuje, topped the chart, followed by St John Mary-Vianney, Trademore. St Theresa of Calcuta, Jedo is standing at the top of the Group D table. Next to it, is Our Lady of Fatima, Karamajiji. In Group E, St. Joseph, Lugbe Across and St Michael Piwoyi are on the first and second positions respectively.
The tournament, closing on June 28, 2026, was designed and structured in line with international football standards by the technical subcommittee ably led by Amb. Okocha Dixie, a coach and referee, and Mr. Tochukwu Obiefuna, a professional and skilful footballer.
Members of the church have praised the Championship, viewing it as a model the entire Archdiocese can adopt for promoting fitness, spiritual growth, discipline, and fellowship.
