By joshua St. Linus to Clash with SS Peter & Paul in LDCMO Soccer Tournament Final July 26
The stage is set for an epic showdown as the 2026 Lugbe Deanery Catholic Men Organisation (LDCMO) Soccer Tournament in the Archdiocese of Abuja reaches its grand finale on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
After 11 weeks of intense competition, sportsmanship, and fraternal bonding among parishes, St. Linus, Chika/Aleita, will go head-to-head against SS. Peter & Paul, New Site, in what promises to be an exhilarating battle for supreme glory at the LDCMO Football Tournament.
According to a press release signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the tournament’s Media, Publicity and Protocol Sub-Committee, Brother Michael Jegede and Brother Anselm Okoro, “The closing ceremony and final match between St. Linus Chika/Aleita and SS. Peter & Paul New Site in the 2026 Lugbe Deanery Football Tournament is scheduled to kick off by 3pm on July 26 at the Super Tech FC Arena, located near the ACO Estate Bridge on Airport Road, Abuja.
“Before the final, the battle for the bronze will also be decided on the same day and venue at 1pm as Our Lady of Fatima, Karamajiji, takes on Holy Cross, Kuchigoro, in the 3rd place match.
“The closing ceremony is expected to be graced by distinguished personalities, including the Lugbe Deanery CMO Chaplain, Reverend Father Henry Duru, PhD, the President of AACMO, Sir Onowu Paul Ayaeze, alongside his Executive Council, and Parish Presidents. Eminent parishioners of the Deanery and members of the general public are also warmly invited to attend.”
The tournament began on May 9, 2026, featuring all 26 parishes and pastoral areas in Lugbe Deanery divided into six groups at the preliminary stage. Structured in line with international football standards, it provided a platform to promote unity, physical fitness, and faith-based networking among Catholic men across the deanery.
Speaking ahead of the closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Brother Otori Sunday, JP, said: “Lugbe Deanery Catholic Men Organisation has set a remarkable standard for the Abuja Archdiocese Catholic Men Organisation through the successful organisation of a football tournament that progressed seamlessly from the group stage, through the second round and knockout stages, to the grand finale.
“Indeed, the tournament has truly lived up to its theme, ‘Building Bonds of Brotherhood through Football.’ Beyond the excitement on the pitch, it has discovered hidden talents, strengthened friendships, and fostered lasting partnerships among our parishes and pastoral areas.
“As we look forward to the final, I urge both finalists to play with passion, discipline, sportsmanship, and the spirit of Christian brotherhood. May the match be remembered not only for its outcome but also for the values it represents.”
He thanked his fellow organizing committee members, the participating teams for their contributions towards the success of the tournament which he described as a win-win for all the parishes. He also appreciated the Deanery President, Chief (Engr.) Felix Okeke, and his Executive Council for the trust reposed in the committee.
The Deanery President, Chief Okeke, excited to see that the tournament was coming to a successful end, applauded all the participating teams for exhibiting the spirit of brotherhood which the competition was meant to promote. He expressed deep appreciation to the planning committee for organising a highly successful soccer competition despite challenges, noting that the Lugbe Deanery CMO had always set the pace.