By: Reginald Brain Ojukutu Sawyer
Madam Isha Johansen have on 29th April, 2026 officially launched her new book, “The Uncommon Enemy,” at the Swiss Hotel, detailing her turbulent tenure as President of the Sierra Leone Football Association and the personal toll of leadership in African football.
Johansen said the memoir was born out of necessity rather than intention, citing years of suppressed narratives and what she described as sustained efforts to silence her perspective. She told attendees that repeated encouragement from observers and stakeholders, both locally and internationally, pushed her to document her experiences.
The book chronicles her time in football administration, focusing on governance challenges, internal conflicts, and allegations of systemic dysfunction within the sport. Johansen argued that poor leadership and recurring scandals continue to undermine African football, issues she said she confronted during her time in office.
She described facing intimidation while attempting to present her version of events, adding that individuals who supported her account were also targeted. According to Johansen, these pressures reinforced her decision to publish her story independently.
Beyond football, the book addresses gender dynamics in leadership. Johansen highlighted the difficulties of operating in what she called a “male-dominated and unforgiving environment,” pointing to broader structural barriers facing women in positions of authority.
She also disclosed that the period covered in the book included significant personal struggles, including depression and health challenges. She credited her family, particularly her son, for providing critical support during those moments.
“The Uncommon Enemy” is scheduled for release in the United Kingdom on June 5, 2026. Johansen said the book is intended to serve not only as a personal account but also as a message of resilience for young people and women navigating difficult professional landscapes.
