R-Linders Football Club emerged winner of the 2022 edition of the New Haven Football League at the weekend defeating Gwadangwa FC 5-4 on penalties after both sides ended 1-1 at regulation time, at New Haven Primary School, Upper Chime.
The 8 teams that participated in the 3-week tournament include Red Bullls, Hard Madrid, R-Linders FC, Gwadangwa FC, Conrad FC, Fayrous FC, Jonad FC and Ceta FC, put up some excellent football artistry as they competed for the star prize.
The fist 45 mins ended in a stalemate as there was no serious attempts towards goal from either sides but on resumption of the second half, the game sprang into life.
R-linder FC broke the deadlock midway through the second half with Striker Jude Okorie pouncing on a defensive blunder to put his side ahead but Substitute Odinaka Samuel header restored parity for Gwadangwa FC from a cornerkick with less than a minute to end of the game.
At the end, it was R-Linder FC who came out tops during penalty kicks, as they converting 5 of their kicks while Gwadangwa FC missed one and scored 4..
Speaking in an exclusive interview with sportszone.com.ng correspondent, Chairman of the LOC, Aguba Martins noted that football is a unifying factor globally, expressing satisfaction over the teams participation in the competition.
In his closing remark, special guest of honor, Member Representing Enugu South and North Federal Constituency, Right Honourable Prince Offor Chukwuegbo applauded the organisers and the teams, adding that the winner and the runner-up would be rewarded.
However, for winning this year’s competition the winner smiled home with a whooping sum of #120,000, giant trophy and medals, the runners-up received #80,000 and medals, R-linder attacker Jude Okorie got the Highest Goal Scorer’s award while Gwadangwa FC goalkeeper got the best goalkeeper of tournament.
Meanwhile dignitaries who were present to grace the final game include house of assembly members, new haven boys association, grassroots football club managers, coaches, ex players, football enthusiasts among others.
