Ghanaian freelance journalist and women’s football expert, Ayishatu Zakaria Ali, has earned a prestigious nomination among the 2025 “50 Most Influential African Women in Sports”, a recognition that celebrates trailblazing women shaping the future of sports across the continent.
A passionate advocate for women’s football, Ayisha has built a strong reputation for her insightful reporting, in-depth analysis, and unwavering dedication to promoting the women’s game both in Ghana and beyond. Her work has highlighted the achievements, struggles, and untold stories of female athletes who continue to break barriers in African sports.
Before venturing into freelance journalism, Ayisha worked with Happy FM, one of Ghana’s top sports radio stations, where she established herself as a trusted voice in football coverage. She also contributed to the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), providing quality reportage on African women’s football and major international tournaments.
Over the years, Ayisha has become a prominent figure in Ghana’s sports media space, using her platform to amplify conversations around gender equality, athlete welfare, and the professional growth of women in sports media.
Her nomination comes as both a personal milestone and a proud moment for Ghanaian sports journalism, especially for young women seeking to make their mark in a male-dominated industry.
Below is the list of nominees;
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, Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, 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 & Development Manager, Football Kenya Federation
Dr. Miriam Mpaata – President, Africa Women in Sports Initiative (AWISI) & The Afrika Sports Foundation Center
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 – Professional 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 recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions through journalism, administration, coaching, policy advocacy, and athletic excellence.
