By Collins Yakubu-Hammer, News Agency of Nigeria, Abuja.
The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) says its 2026 Football Tournament in Lugbe Deanery Abuja aims to showcase talent, build brotherhood and promote fitness among Catholic men.
Chairman and Secretary of the Media, Publicity and Protocol subcommittee, Michael Jegede and Anselm Okoro, said this this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
According to them, the competition slated for May 9, with the theme “Building Bonds of Brotherhood” reflects the goal of promoting fellowship, unity and fitness through sport.
They said the competition would help build brotherhood among men across 26 parishes and pastoral areas in the Archdiocese of Abuja.
”The preliminary stage will feature 26 teams of registered CMO members drawn into six groups. Group A includes St. Martins Lugbe, Queen of Martyrs Sabon Lugbe, St. Linus Chika/Aleita, St. Anthony Paseli and St. Peter Aco Estate.
”Group B has St Monica Sauka Kahuta, St. Francis Pegi, St. Peter and Paul New Site, St. Anthony Gbessa and Blessed Iwensi Tansi Pyakasa.
” Other groups comprise teams from Trademore, Kuje, Karamajigi, Piwoyi, Airport and Kuchingoro, among others.”
Jegede and Okoro said fixtures, venues and guidelines would be shared with all parishes and pastoral areas in due course.
They urged CMO members, parishioners and soccer enthusiasts to support their teams and enjoy the spirit of Catholic brotherhood.
The CMO, with St. Joseph the Worker as patron saint, is the umbrella body of all men in the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
It fosters spiritual, moral and social development while engaging in philanthropy, charity, community service and mentorship.
The organisers said the tournament would also promote faith-based networking as part of the church’s apostolic mission.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA