Ghanaian freelance journalist and women’s football advocate Ayishatu Zakaria Ali has been honoured with a nomination among the 2025 “50 Most Influential African Women in Sports”, a continental recognition celebrating women who are shaping the future of sports in Africa.
Known for her passion and commitment to women’s football, Ayisha has become one of Ghana’s most respected voices in sports journalism. Her sharp analysis, compelling storytelling, and consistent advocacy for gender equality have helped spotlight the achievements and challenges of female athletes across Africa.
Before branching into freelance journalism, Ayisha made her mark at Happy FM, one of Ghana’s leading sports radio stations, where she built a reputation for credible and insightful football coverage. She has also contributed to the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), providing top-tier reportage on African women’s football and international tournaments.
Over the years, Ayisha has used her platform to amplify conversations around athlete welfare, fair representation, and opportunities for women in sports media — earning admiration both locally and internationally.
Her nomination stands as a proud moment not only for her personally but also for Ghana’s sports media fraternity and young women aspiring to break barriers in a male-dominated field.
Below is the full list of 2025 Honorees – 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports:
Kirsty Coventry – President, International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Fatma Samoura – Former FIFA Secretary General
Clare Akamanzi – CEO, NBA Africa
Nkechi Obi – CEO, Sport Nigeria Ltd
Nelly Mukazayire – Minister of Sports, Rwanda
Augusta James Teima – Minister of Sports, Sierra Leone
Amb. Amina Mohamed – Former Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture & Heritage, Kenya
Faith Kipyegon – Athlete, Global Icon & Multiple World Record Holder
Bouchra Hajij – President, Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB)
Dr. Eugenia Chidhakwa – Director of Sport & Recreation, Zimbabwe
Benny Bonsu – Chief Content Officer, Olympic Channel
Yetunde Olopade – CEO & MD, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd
Game Mothibi – Senior Manager, TAFISA
Yvonne Namai Mukabana – African Schools Programme Manager, CAF
Peninnah Kabenge – Secretary General, FASU & Vice President, FISU
Fomum Victorine Agum – Founder & President, Abakwa Sports Academy of Bamenda
Aminata H. Turay – Founder & CEO, AMI Women Sport Foundation-SL & President, Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association
Syombua A. Kibue – Founder & CEO, SKEIYA
Doreen Nabwire – Director of Women’s Football, Football Kenya Federation
Dr. Miriam Mpaata – President, Africa Women in Sports Initiative (AWISI)
Amb. Mary Onyali – CEO, Yali Yali Sportswear & Meet Director, Mary Onyali Classics
Peris Mukoko – Senior Official, NOC-K Gender Commission
Geraldine Yema Roberts – Former Pro Basketball Player & Consultant, Gabon Ministry of Sports
Shanitha Sumayya Khan – Deputy Director-General, Recreation & Sport Promotion
Akhona Zennith Makalima – South Africa Premier League & FIFA Referee
Ashley Nakazwe – Journalist & SuperSport Presenter, The Soccer Africa Show
Naledi Chabe – Coach, Referee & World Rugby Educator
Moonira Ramathula – Founder & Executive Director, Futballing Girls
Maha Mahmoud Hussein – General Secretary, Arab Ladies Committee, Arab Chess Federation
Stephanie Olivia Duval – Founder, Liv African Institute of Innovation & Sports (LAIIS)
Maureen Rosita Ojong – Olympism365 Manager, International Olympic Committee
Coach Callista Sambaza – Founder, Sweat Field Fitness
Caroline Wangari – Founder, Utawala Star Sports Club & PE Teacher
Buhlebenkosi Ncube – Sports Marketer & Founder, SportsGrind
Cynthia Mumbo – Founder & CEO, SportsConnect Africa
Aisha Shuaibu – President, SWA Sports & Advisory Board Member, NAFA
Janine Anthony – Sports Marketer & Founder, LadiesMarch
Dorothy Okatch – Basketball Referee, Technical Official & FIBA-Licensed Referee
Regina Lunyolo – Chairperson, Uganda Olympic Committee
Lephai Marea Modutlwa – Vice President, Botswana Bowling Association & Member, Olympic Education Commission
Dr. Mona Abdalla Ellabody – Founder, Chess and Culture Club for Girls & Board Member, Egyptian Chess Federation
Safina Khan – Senior Official, WRC Safari Rally Project Oversight Team
Rachel Ankomah – Founder, Accra Majestics Sports Academy
*Ayishatu Zakaria Ali – AIPS Reporter & Freelance Sports Journalist*
Celestine Karoney – BBC Sports Africa Reporter
Phatsimo Ruele – Founder, Helping One Organisation (HOO)
Barbra Banda – Athlete, Global Icon & 2024 CAF Player of the Year & BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
Tega Onojaife – Founder, Ladies in Sports International; Sports Producer & Presenter
Fatma El-Kindiy – Founder, A Try for Change
Rebecca Eliot – Founder, ProTouch Africa
The “50 Most Influential African Women in Sports” initiative honours women who have made remarkable contributions through journalism, administration, coaching, advocacy, and athletic excellence, inspiring future generations of African women to lead in sports and beyond.
