Mary Onyali and Six Other Nigerians Recognized Among 50 Influential Women in African Sports
Mary Onyali, the former African track queen has been honored as one of the 50 women across the continent who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the sports industry. The Africa Sports Venture Group, headquartered in South Africa, unveiled the list in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2024.
Joining Onyali on the prestigious list are six other Nigerians, including Nkechi Obi, who heads the Nigeria Women’s Football League, as well as Tega Onojaife and Ogechi Pepsie Adiukwu. The lineup also features Elizabeth Idoko Okung, Gbemisola Abudu, and Aisha Shuaibu.
The selection, led by former FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura of Senegal, revolves around the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” The Africa Sports Ventures Group aims to spotlight women who are instrumental in driving growth and development across various sectors within the sports industry.
Leslie Koroma Snr, CEO of ASVG, emphasized the impact of these women, stating, “They are making a significant difference in Sports Administration, Business, Media, and Technology, contributing to the industry’s potential for socioeconomic and cultural change across the continent.”
He further expressed gratitude to the honorees for their unwavering dedication and relentless efforts in elevating the sports industry to a transformative force in every community throughout Africa.