By Amaechi Agbo

It was a gathering of men and women of no mean repute on Saturday in Abuja as the maiden edition of Engineer Moses Osinachi Football Tournament began at the St JohnPaul 2 Catholic Church field, in Kubwa, a satellite town of the city, www.bestchoicesports
.com.ng can report

The tournament meant for married men in the Catholic Church, the Catholic Men Organisation, CMO has 16 parishes from the Bwari Deanery of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja taking part.

In the opening match, St Luke’s parish CMO defeated their All Saints counterpart 2-0 while St Johnpaul the second Parish recorded the same scoreline against St Johnmary Vianney Parish CMO in the second match of the day.

In his opening address, the sponsor of the tournament, Engineer Moses Osinachi, thanked the Catholic Church for the opportunity given to him to be part of the competition which he said is meant to foster unity among the different parishes in the Bwari Deanery.

“I stand before you to give thanks to God for making this day a reality. It is a dream come true for me because many years I have thought about what is happening here today.

“This tournament was borne out of my sincere love for the game of football and how it can foster unity among the different parishes in this deanery.

“The game of football is undoubtedly a unifying factor for the development of any sector, community and even a nation. This time, our intention is to bring that same community relationship to the church through football,” he said.

Engr Osinachi known for his philanthropic disposition added that in the near future, the compettion could be extend to be Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja tournament.

“It is hoped that after this tournament, members of the Catholic Men Organisation inn Bwari Deanery will form a stronger bond for a better church and society.

“This we hope can extend to the Archdiocese in the near future.”

Also in his address, the special guest of honour, Dr Rafiu Oladio, President General, Nigeria Football Supporters Club Worldwide described the tournament as unique and thanked Engr. Osinachi for his service to humanity.

Speaking after he took the official ceremonial kick-off of the competition, Dr Oladipo called for well-meaning Nigerians to see the need to give back to the society in whatever capacity in order to encourage a peaceful world.

“I describe Engr. Moses Osinachi as my beloved son who loves and cares for others. And I am particularly impressed with this compettion.

“If he could do it for the church, it means he is doing it for Nigeria because the church is all over the country

“I think what he is doing will encourage other members in the church to be able to come together as a family and unite. There is good relationship when you come together like this and you know football unites not only the church, the Community, the state, the country but the entire world,”.

The competition which is strictly meant for married men from parishes within the Bwari Deanery in Bwari Area Council of the FCT will continue till December this year.

Various prizes include trophies and medals would be won by the best teams.