By joshua St. Linus, Chika/Aleita Parish Wins 2026 Lugbe Deanery CMO Soccer Championship
After eleven weeks of exciting and competitive football, the Lugbe Deanery Catholic Men Organisation Football Tournament came to a close on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
St. Linus, Chika/Aleita emerged as worthy champions, while SS. Peter and Paul, New Site finished as runners-up, after the final match ended 2-1. Our Lady of Fatima, Karonmajigi clinched the 3rd position after defeating Holy Cross, Kuchingoro, 2 goals to 1 in the third-place match.
According to a statement by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Bro. Sunday Otori, JP, who also serves as the Vice President of the Lugbe Deanery CMO, “The tournament, which kicked off on 9th May 2026, featured all 26 parishes and pastoral areas within the Deanery. It was carefully organised in line with FIFA rules and standards, progressing from the group stage through the knockout rounds to a thrilling grand finale.”
Bro. Otori commended every member of the Organising and Technical Committee for their unwavering commitment, sacrifice, time, talents, and resources in delivering a tournament that truly lived up to its theme: “Building Bonds of Brotherhood Through Football.”
The organising committee chairman added that “Like every human endeavour, the tournament was not without its challenges and complaints from some participating teams. However, we choose to see these as valuable learning experiences that will help us improve future editions. I therefore encourage everyone to focus on the many positives and lasting achievements of this faith-driven initiative rather than the few shortcomings encountered along the way.
“My profound appreciation goes to the Deanery President, Chief (Engr.) Felix Okeke, and the entire Deanery Executive Council for their vision, support, and leadership. I also thank the match officials, all the participating parishes and pastoral areas, the players, supporters, and everyone who contributed in one way or another to the success of this tournament.
“I equally express my sincere gratitude to the management of Super Tech Arena for making their excellent facility available for our use, as well as the Heads of the various schools who graciously permitted us to use their football fields during the group stage of the competition.
“Congratulations once again to St. Linus, Chika/Aleita Parish, SS. Peter and Paul, New Site, and Our Lady of Fatima, Karonmajigi for their outstanding performances, and to every participating parish for making this tournament a memorable success.
“Thank you all for your support, commitment, and prayers. May God continue to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood we have built through this tournament and grant us many more opportunities to serve Him together in unity and love.
“God bless Lugbe Deanery Catholic Men Organisation, and God bless you all.”
While handing over the trophy to St. Linus, Chika/Aleita, the Lugbe Deanery CMO President, Chief Okeke, said:
“As I officially present this trophy to you on behalf of the Executive Council and the entire Lugbe Deanery CMO, remember that this cup represents more than a sporting victory. It symbolizes our shared faith and the strong fraternal bond that unites us as Catholic Men.”
The President declared Lugbe Deanery CMO the ultimate winner of the competition, and applauded the Organising Committee led by Vice President Bro. Otori for putting together a tournament of international standard that has now set the benchmark for the entire Abuja Archdiocesan CMO.
The third-place match and the final were officiated by Chief Gora Micah James, a retired Grade 1 football referee, licensed football coach, and current Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Athletics Technical Officials, NAATO, FCT Chapter. He was assisted by Bro. Francis Ogor and Bro. Monday Bissong, all members of CMO within the Lugbe Deanery.