By Nelson Dafe on October 19, 2018

It was a thrilling final match on Thursday evening between BJ Foundation FC and Rockers FC at the S&T Barracks pitch in Benin City as the 4th edition of the Bet9ja football tournament wound to a close.

The two grassroots clubs put on a fierce performance but in the 32nd it was Rockers who went home with the 300,000 naira cash prize courtesy of a last minute penalty awarded when a BJ defender handled the ball in his box.

For much of the game, both sides produced their well-known contrasting styles and both showed an awareness of each other's strengths which meant they both cancelled each other out for long periods.

BJ played a much more direct style of play, relying on the physicality of their front 3 of Uche Epete, Marvis Ogiomade and Tochukwu. The plan usually was to batter the opponents 28th long and high balls which one of the strikers would knock down for the others to run into. Rockera responded perfectly by always being alert and having an extra player in defence to outnumber BJ attackers. It worked well .

Rockers were more dominant in midfield and looked to send the ball Wide for dangerous crosses into the Box. 

On several occassions in both halfs of the game, goalkeeper Shangar Anthony produced excellent saves to prevent Rockers from scoring.

As fans prepared themselves for penalty shootouts, a late drama ensued as Rockers were awarded a penalty by center referee James Amadin when a BJ defender's hand touched the ball in the box to prevent a cross from the byline.

It was a cold-blooded decision but the right one to give the penalty.

Referees are meant to interprete the rules of the game to the latter no matter at what time of the game ir is.Thats what Amadin did and Rockers stepped up to convert the penalty and became champions of the competition.

The coach Chinedu Uba boys won the 300,000 naira cash money on offer and also the admiration of fans for their quality display throughout the competition.

BJ went home with the 100,000 naira Money meant for the second placed team.

The Bet9ja competition was a huge success , giving grassroots clubs the opportunity of showcasing their players as they hope to to help them turn profesionals. 

*Photo shows Rockers lifting the Bet9ja trophy

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 19, 2018

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