AAYK Nigeria Limited is proud to announce that its football arm, AAYK Football Club, has secured qualification for the semi-finals of the prestigious 2nd Oriade Pre-Season Football Tournament, following commendable performances across the group stage fixtures.
The team’s journey to the last four reflects tactical organization and an unwavering fighting spirit demonstrated in both Matchday 1 and Matchday 2 encounters.On Matchday 1, AAYK FC played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Oriade FC in a tightly contested fixture.
AAYK FC started brightly, with Iyanu Makinde coming close to opening the scoring as early as the 4th minute, only to be denied by a sharp save from Oriade goalkeeper Ismail Balogun.
The team continued to create promising opportunities, notably through Amos Oyeniran, whose intelligent header nearly resulted in a breakthrough before a last-ditch goal-line clearance preserved parity.Oriade FC responded with attacking intent, but our goalkeeper Ebere Agwu stood firm, producing a crucial save to maintain the deadlock.
Despite sustained pressure and multiple goal-scoring opportunities from both teams, neither side could find the decisive touch, and the match ended in a goalless stalemate.
On Matchday 2, AAYK FC delivered a spirited comeback performance in an enthralling 3-3 draw against Telu FC, a result that ultimately secured their passage to the semi-finals.
AAYK FC faced an early setback, conceding two quick goals through Edu Gaga and Akintumde Ridwan to trail 2-0. However, the team responded with determination and composure. Iyanu Makinde ignited the comeback with a well-taken goal in the 34th minute, before Pelumi Olaoluwa produced a moment of brilliance just before halftime, curling a superb free kick into the top corner to level the score at 2-2.
In a dramatic second half, Telu FC regained the lead late in the game through Edu Gaga, but AAYK FC once again demonstrated remarkable resilience. Deep into stoppage time, Iyanu Makinde struck decisively to restore parity at 3-3, ensuring AAYK FC secured the crucial point needed to advance.
Following the conclusion of the group stage, AAYK FC emerged as group winners, earning a place among the tournament’s final four teams.
The semi-finalists are:
- NA Royal FC, Ilorin
- AAYK FC, Ilesha
- All Stars FC, Ikirun
- Hammola FC, Ido Osun
AAYK FC will face Hammola FC in the semi-final fixture scheduled for Saturday, while NA Royal FC will take on All Stars FC, Ikirun in the other semi-final clash.
