The 16 clubs comprising of teams in Nigeria and Ghana were drawn into four different groups which will compete for honours in the Flying Officers Cup tournament from the 10th-24th of October 2021, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The tournament which was formerly known as Ratels Pre-season Championship was re-named, the Flying Officers Cup, to celebrate and immortalise the late Tolulope Arotile.
Arotile’s remarkable achievements and impactful story of bravery, courage, heroism and gallantry has continued to provide a beacon of hope and inspiration to many girls who aspire to achieve their dreams regardless the challenges that exists in their quest.
Chairman of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Paul Edeh, urged the football community to embrace further quotas to increase the number of women in decision making roles in order to help secure the future of the game.
“We have been responsibly preparing for this wonderful event and have done our best for players and everyone coming down here for the Pre-season Championship to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of splendid football feast and of course we hope they will enjoy their stay here in Abuja,” Edeh said.
“The time for talking has stopped. We must move on and start to make impact in the development of women’s football. Today, I urge the football community to embrace further quotas to increase the number of women in decision making roles in order to help secure the future of the game.”
“I am extremely proud that FIFA, the world football governing body has implemented more positive policies to promote gender equality and foster sports through education in women’s football.”
The official ball for the tournament was also revealed, featuring various colours and pictures variant of Tolulope Arotile and logo of Ratels Sports Development Foundation.
GROUP A:
Naija Ratels FC (hosts)
Ghana Police Ladies FC
Royal Queens FC
Honey Badgers
GROUP B:
Bayelsa Queens
FC Robo Queens
Osun Babes
Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC
GROUP C:
Rivers Angels
Confluence Queens
Sunshine Queens
Oasis Ladies FC
GROUP D:
Nasarawa Amazons FC
Edo Queens
Lakeside Queens FC
Dannaz Ladies.
