By Vivian Onugbolu

Aspire Football Club has gained promotion after emerged champions at the Enugu Centre of the just concluded 2019 Nationwide League 2 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

To reach this mileage, the Anambra State based club, at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu State, battled teams such as Ben Ayade FC, Ebonyi Utd., Black Eagles FC, Algon Boys FC in the final played on 22^nd August, 2019.

The team which are barely one year after its establishment has reached one of its objectives as they continue to climb the ladder in the Nigeria amateur leagues of which main target is the elite Nigeria Professional League, NPFL within the next few years.

Aspire FC are the defending champions of 2019 Anambra State FA Cup, which the won few months ago.

It is also pertinent to note at this juncture that the young lads played all their NLO2 matches undefeated and given their reach in form and pedigree, it will not be out of sort to see the young team in the Nigeria National League, NNL in two seasons from now.

To emerge victorious at the Enugu centre, Aspire FC played a 1-1 draw with Ben Ayade FC in their opening match. In their second match of the tournament, they defeated Ebonyi United by 1-0 scored by Hassan Abubakar.

The third match against Black Eagles was described by fans as final before final in view of the fact that both teams had quality players and great form but the fearless boys of Aspire FC ensured that the Black Eagles went back to their base in Owerri with their tail in between their legs after they were humbled 2-0 by the Anambra boys.

In the final Playoff against Algon Boys, Hassan Abubakar was the hero of the encounter as he scored the only but winning goal on the 85^th minute to send the Aspire FC players and fans into wide jubilation.

In his speech, the head coach of Aspire FC, Patrick Ozoh commended the boys for their determination and passion throughout the tournament. The winning Coach who was engaged two months ago as the head Coach assured the management, and fans of the club that under his watch, the club will secure promotion into NPFL in not distant time. The internationally trained coach thanked the president of Aspire FC Dr Emeka Okeke for his continuous support to the club and efforts towards players’ welfare.

On his part, a former Secretary of the Anambra State FA, Mr Victor Nwangwu commended Aspire FC boys and urged them to keep their spirit high and always have it in mind that the reward for good work is more work.

Mr Nwangwu who travelled all the way from Anambra State to Enugu to cheer the boys up, thanked the founder/president of the club for his philanthropic spirit and assured him that they will continue to support the team.

In his speech, the NLO secretary Mr Bright Nwanosike expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the teams that participated in the tournament. He commended every team for their efforts and determination.

The NLO scribe lauded Aspire FC for their tireless efforts and unbeatable feat

In his vote of thanks, captain of the club, Sunday Adams appreciated the coach, management and the organizers of the tournament stressing that the league very tough but with God and the continuous support of Dr Emeka Okeke, everything was made easy.

The captain assured the management and the Fans that Aspire FC will never let them down adding that “To whom much is given, much is expected”

The highlights of the final match were group pictures and celebration of the promotion into Division One by the players and management of ASPIRE FC.