By joshua LDCMO Football Tourney Enters Knockout Phase with 16 teams
The Lugbe Deanery Catholic Men Organization, LDCMO, Football Tournament, in the Archdiocese of Abuja, has entered its most intense phase with the commencement of the Round of 16, marking the official start of the knockout stage.
After weeks of group stage action that produced goals, drama and excitement, 16 parishes out of 26 have advanced to the knockout phase. At this stage, it’s win or go home.
A release on the knockout fixtures by the Assistant Head of the Technical Subcommittee, Brother Tochukwu Obiefuna, indicated that the Round of 16 matches scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 20, 2026, will all be played at Super Tech FC Arena, ACO Estate Bridge, Airport Road, Abuja.
On Saturday, 20th June, St. Monica Sauka will tackle Sacred Heart, Airport by 3pm, while St Linus Chika/Aleita will encounter St Augustine Lugbe by 5pm. On Sunday, 21st June, by 3pm St. Martins Lugbe will face St Michael Piwoyi, while St Peter & Paul, New Site will be slugging it out with St. Helena, River Park by 5pm.
St. Joseph, Lugbe Across will on Saturday, 27th June by 3pm take on Our Lady of Fatima, Karamajiji, while St Kizito Kuje confronts Holy Family, Gosa at 5pm. On Sunday, 28th June, Infant Jesus Iddo, will battle St. John Mary-Vianney,Trademore by 3pm, as St Theresa, Jedo wrestles Holy Cross, Kuchingoro at 5pm.
The 8 winning teams from the Round of 16 will proceed to the quarterfinals fixed for July 4th and 5th, 2026. The semifinal matches are billed for July 12th. The 3rd-place match is on July 18th, while the final/closing ceremony comes up on the 19th of July at Super Tech FC Arena, ACO Estate Bridge, Airport Road, Abuja.
Speaking after the release of the knockout fixtures and schedules by the technical subcommittee, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Brother Sunday Otori, said: “I wish to sincerely commend the Technical Committee for the excellent job they have done since the commencement of this tournament.
“As we approach this final stages of the competition, I urge all committee members and officials to carefully study the released final match schedule and make adequate preparations for this remaining fixtures.
“Proper planning and adherence to this schedule will ensure a successful and hitch-free conclusion to the tournament.
“Thank you all for your cooperation, and I wish every team the very best in their remaining matches.”
He implored all teams and their supporters to continue to maintain peace, unity and the spirit of brotherhood for which the tournament was designed to promote among CMO members in Lugbe Deanery.
The Chairman urged the players to remain disciplined on the field of play and parishioners to come out en masse to cheer on their parishes responsibly.
The 2026 LDCMO Football Tournament is the second in the series. Under the able leadership of the President, Engr. Felix Okeke, deputized by the proactive Vice President, Sunday Otori, the Lugbe Deanery CMO Executive Council, has been widely praised and applauded for delivering an edition structured to meet international football standards.