St. Linus, SS Peter & Paul Set For Blockbuster LDCMO Football Tournament Final

The 2026 Lugbe Deanery Catholic Men Organisation (LDCMO) Football Tournament will reach its climax on Sunday, 26 July, with St. Linus, Chika/Aleita, taking on SS. Peter & Paul, New Site, in a highly anticipated final at the Super Tech FC Arena, Abuja.

The showpiece encounter, scheduled to kick off at 3pm, will bring the curtain down on 11 weeks of competitive football, fellowship and sportsmanship among Catholic men across the Lugbe Deanery of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.

According to a statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the tournament’s Media, Publicity and Protocol Sub-Committee, Brother Michael Jegede and Brother Anselm Okoro, the third-place play-off will precede the final at the same venue, with Our Lady of Fatima, Karamajiji, facing Holy Cross, Kuchigoro, from 1pm.

The organisers disclosed that the closing ceremony is expected to attract prominent personalities, including the Lugbe Deanery CMO Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Henry Duru, PhD; the President of the Abuja Archdiocese Catholic Men Organisation (AACMO), Sir Onowu Paul Ayaeze, alongside members of the Executive Council; parish presidents, distinguished parishioners and members of the public.

The tournament, which commenced on 9 May 2026, featured all 26 parishes and pastoral areas in the Lugbe Deanery. The teams were drawn into six groups before progressing through the knockout stages in a competition designed to promote unity, physical fitness and faith-based fellowship among Catholic men.

Speaking ahead of the final, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Brother Otori Sunday, JP, described the tournament as a resounding success and a model for future competitions within the Archdiocese.

He said the championship had progressed smoothly from the group stage through to the final, demonstrating the organisational capacity of the Lugbe Deanery Catholic Men Organisation.

“The tournament has truly lived up to its theme, Building Bonds of Brotherhood through Football. Beyond the excitement on the pitch, it has uncovered hidden talents, strengthened friendships and fostered lasting partnerships among our parishes and pastoral areas,” he said.

Brother Sunday urged both finalists to uphold the values of fair play and Christian brotherhood.

“As we look forward to the final, I encourage both teams to play with passion, discipline, sportsmanship and the spirit of Christian brotherhood. May the match be remembered not only for its result but also for the values it represents,” he added.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the organising committee, participating teams and volunteers for their commitment to the successful staging of the competition. He further thanked the Deanery President, Chief (Engr.) Felix Okeke, and his Executive Council for the confidence reposed in the committee.

Chief Okeke, in his remarks, commended all the participating teams for embracing the spirit of unity and brotherhood that inspired the tournament.

He praised the planning committee for delivering a successful championship despite the challenges encountered, noting that the Lugbe Deanery Catholic Men Organisation had once again demonstrated leadership in promoting fellowship and community engagement through sport.

With both finalists eyeing the coveted title, Sunday’s encounter is expected to provide a fitting conclusion to a tournament that has celebrated football as a powerful tool for unity, friendship and Christian fellowship.