R-Linders have been crowned champions of the 2025 ICAP New Haven League after edging Clemsiyke 10–9 on penalties in a dramatic finale at the New Haven Primary School field in Enugu.
The final played before a crowd, remained tight throughout regulation time, forcing a lengthy and nerve-racking shootout. R-Linders held their composure to clinch the title and the ₦300,000 winners prize, while Clement Iyke settled for ₦200,000 as runners-up.
Individual awards added extra shine to the tournament’s finale, as the standout performers stepped forward to deserved applause. Highest goal scorer Precious Agu, MVP Chimezie Ani, and Best Goalkeeper Onah Chinedu all went home with cash prizes, a fitting reward for their outstanding contributions throughout the competition.
This year’s competition featured six teams split into two groups:
Group A: Clement Iyke FC, Gwadangwa FC, City Boys
Group B: R-Linders FC, Parliament FC, Omega FC
The ICAP New Haven League, now a key grassroots football event in the community, was sponsored once by Igwe Chibuzeze Adinde, who expressed deep satisfaction with the tournament’s impact.
“New Haven is my community; this is where I reside. They are part of me, and I’m part of them,” he said after the final. “It’s not a big deal, it’s part of our routine activities every year.
“It’s a thing of joy seeing the youth rejoice because I’m also a youth. So when they rejoice, I also rejoice.”
Looking ahead, Igwe Adinde pledged a bigger and better edition in 2026, promising improvements across all aspects of the league.
“Any day, anytime, we have plans to continue and we’re going to do it better,” he assured.
The thrilling finale capped off a competitive and spirited tournament, reinforcing the ICAP New Haven League as one of Enugu’s most vibrant grassroots football events.
