By Adedapo Adesanya

The Zimbabwean Minister of Sports, Ms Kirsty Coventry, has been elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

She became the first woman and African to hold the position vacated by Mr Thomas Bach, who has been on the seat for the last 12 years.

The Zimbabwe sports minister and two-time Olympic swimming gold medalist got a stunning first-round win in the seven-candidate contest after voting by nearly 100 of her colleagues in the IOC membership on Thursday.

She gets an eight-year mandate into 2033.

According to reports, the election was the most open and hard-to-call IOC presidential election in decades with no clear front-runner before the vote.

She beat Mr Sebastian Coe, the UK’s two-time Olympic 1500m champion, who oversaw the London 2012 Games before taking charge of World Athletics as well as Spanish businessman Mr Juan Antonio Samaranch, who is currently the IOC’s vice-president; Sweden-born businessman and ski federation president Mr Johan Eliasch; Japan’s Mr Morinari Watanabe – head of the international gymnastics federation; French cycling chief Mr David Lappartient and Jordanian Prince Feisal al-Hussein.

Ms Coventry’s win also was a victory for outgoing IOC president Mr Bach, who has long been seen as promoting her as his successor.

He was also lauded for his role in sporting achievements including navigating the Olympics after the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Paris 2024 Olympics.

“I will make all of you very, very proud and hopefully extremely confident in the decision you have taken,” Ms Coventry said in her acceptance speech.

Her first tournament in the role will be the Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in February 2026, followed by the LA Summer Games in July 2028.

Ms Coventry’s IOC will also need to find a host for the 2036 Summer Games which is expected to be hosted in India or the Middle East.

She will be tasked towards navigating a lot of political and sporting issues necessitated by changing global trends.

The 33rd edition of Africa’s premier boxing show, GOtv Boxing Night, will hold at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

This was announced in a statement on Wednesday by the organisers, Flykite Productions.

The event will feature household names on the boxing landscape like Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja” Shogbesan, Nigeria’s first graduate boxer; Williams “Kaki” Amosu, Sodiq Adeleke, Sadiq Oyakojo, Lateef “Latest” Azeez and female boxing sensation, Ayisat Oriyomi.

The statement quoted Bamidele Johnson, Flykite Productions Chief Operating Officer, saying that arrangements are still being made to add more boxers to the bout line-up. He noted that the boxers selected are some of the best in their weight divisions and are ready to give a good account of themselves on the event day.

“Many of the boxers here are high on the local and continental rankings. They are young, hungry for glory, and have the talent to achieve their goals. We are going to have really cracking fights that will delight the fans,” Johnson stated.

The boxers signed their respective contracts on Wednesday at a brief but classy ceremony at Flykite Productions’ office in Lagos.

Relive 15 Greatest WrestleMania Title Matches on GOtv

WrestleMania has always been the biggest stage of them all. It is where legends are made and dreams are realised. Over the last 15 years, WWE has given us unforgettable championship matches that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. From mind-blowing moments to emotional victories, these matches define what WrestleMania is all about.

Here are the 15 greatest WrestleMania title matches of the last 15 years, counting down to the most legendary showdown of them all.

15. Daniel Bryan vs. Batista vs. Randy Orton—WrestleMania 30

The Yes Movement, a fan-driven movement that symbolised Daniel Bryan’s fight against the odds, reached its climax as Bryan overcame Batista and Randy Orton in a triple-threat match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Bryan’s resilience and the emotional reaction from the crowd made this an all-time classic.

14. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey—WrestleMania 35

For the first time in history, women headlined WrestleMania. The stakes were high as Becky Lynch faced Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair in a winner-takes-all match for both the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships. Becky Lynch walked away with both titles, cementing her place in history as “The Man.”

13. Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar—WrestleMania 35

Seth Rollins shocked the world by slaying The Beast in record time. With a low blow and three curb stomps, Rollins dethroned Brock Lesnar to win the Universal Championship. It was an explosive start to the night and a moment fans will never forget.

12. Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes—WrestleMania 39

Cody Rhodes was looking to finish his story and dethrone Roman Reigns, who had held the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for over 900 days. Despite an incredible performance from Cody, Reigns retained his title with the help of The Bloodline, proving once again that he is the Tribal Chief.

11. The Undertaker vs AJ Styles – WrestleMania 36

This was The Undertaker’s final WrestleMania match, and it was unlike any other. The Boneyard Match against AJ Styles was a unique, cinematic battle fought in a graveyard-like setting. The Undertaker, ‘The Deadman,’ rode into the night victorious, ending his career in legendary fashion.

10. John Cena vs. The Rock—WrestleMania 28

This match saw two of WWE’s biggest icons clash in a dream match. The Rock defeated John Cena in front of a record-breaking crowd in Miami, proving that he still had what it takes to shine under the bright lights.

9. Triple H vs. Daniel Bryan—WrestleMania 30

To even compete in the main event, Daniel Bryan had to defeat Triple H in the opening match. It was a hard-fought battle that saw Bryan overcome The Game, setting the stage for his historic title victory later that night.

8. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka—WrestleMania 34

Asuka’s undefeated streak was on the line against Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. In a shocking result, Charlotte ended Asuka’s streak in a match that showcased the best of women’s wrestling.

7. Batista vs. John Cena—WrestleMania 26

Two of WWE’s top stars collided for the WWE Championship. John Cena overcame Batista in a physical battle, and he reclaimed the title and further solidified his legacy as one of the greatest superstars of all time.

6. Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins—WrestleMania 31

Just when it looked like Brock Lesnar would retain against Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, turning the match into a triple threat. Rollins stole the win in one of the most shocking and thrilling moments in WrestleMania history.

5. Kofi Kingston vs. Daniel Bryan—WrestleMania 35

Against all odds, Kofi Kingston defeated Daniel Bryan to win the WWE Championship, giving fans, especially Kofimanians, one of the most emotional WrestleMania victories ever.

4. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels—WrestleMania 26

Shawn Michaels put his career on the line against The Undertaker in a rematch from their iconic WrestleMania 25 battle. The result was another masterpiece, with The Undertaker delivering the final Tombstone to end Michaels’ career in WWE.

3. Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan—WrestleMania 37

Roman Reigns cemented his dominance by stacking Edge and Daniel Bryan on top of each other to retain the Universal Championship. This match proved why Roman Reigns is one of the greatest champions in modern history.

2. CM Punk vs. The Undertaker—WrestleMania 29

CM Punk brought everything he had to challenge The Undertaker’s legendary streak. The match was filled with drama and near falls, but The Undertaker proved why he was the measuring stick, keeping his streak alive.

1. Edge vs. The Undertaker—WrestleMania 24

The Undertaker and Edge delivered a main event for the ages. The match had everything from near falls to incredible storytelling. The Undertaker forced Edge to tap out, winning the World Heavyweight Championship in one of the greatest WrestleMania matches of all time.

These matches are proof that WrestleMania is truly one of the most iconic events in sports entertainment.

Don’t miss Best of WWE WrestleMania Title Match on GOtv Channel 68 this Saturday at 9:30 PM. Subscribe now to enjoy RAW and other WWE action live by downloading the MyGOtv app or dial *288# to reconnect/upgrade your package.