Arotile Immortalised with Flying Officer’s Cup

Olawale Ajimotokanin Abuja

The late first female helicopter combat fighter in the Nigeria Air Force, Tolulope Arotile has been immortalised with the Flying Officer’s Cup that begins in Abuja on October 10.

The President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Paul Edeh, announced this yesterday at the FIFA Goal Project, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja at the draws ceremony for the tournament and the Heroes Award scheduled for October 24.

He said the tournament, which used to be known as Ratels Pre-season Tournament was renamed the Flying Officer’s Cup to immortalise Arotile, whose remarkable achievement and impactful story of courage, heroism and gallantry has continued to inspire many girls to achieve their dreams regardless of challenges.

The Flying Officer’s Cup started in 2019 with four teams and grew to eight teams last year, while it will feature 16 teams this year.

Edeh expressed optimism that the tournament touted as the biggest pre-season cup in Africa will help showcase women football as a strategic development in Nigeria.

The first Group A match holds in Area 3 Sport complex between Naija Ratels and Ghana Police Ladies FC.

There will also be posthumous awards for Flying Officer Arotile, female journalist, Henrietta Ukaigwe, Chief Larry Eze of Larry Angels and Chief Sunny Ineh of the defunct Ineh Babes.

The lifetime achievement awards will be bequeathed to Princess Bola Jegede, coach Ismalia Mabo, Elderson Kuejubola, Hon Ayo Omidiran, while Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu will receive the Women Football Promoter Award.

Seyi Akinwunmi will receive the Women Football Grassroots Icon award, Aisha Falode Women Trailblazer of the Year and Leah Sharibu, the Heroic Icon of the Year Award.