Sports
Palace Confirms Interest In Solanke
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed the club’s interest in Nigeria-eligible striker Dominic Solanke.
The England youth international has struggled for game time at English Premier League (EPL) giants Liverpool FC.
Liverpool’s EPL rivals, Palace, Brighton & Hove, Huddersfield Town and Scottish giants Rangers are all reportedly keen to sign the player ahead of the January 2019 transfer window.
‘’We have got to try to make certain we can bring him on loan. It’s not a secret it’s a target,” Hodgson told the media on Sunday.
‘’He is will provide an attacking threat, he has scored through the age groups at Chelsea and England and he can show he can transfer that in Premier League football.
‘’We know him better from his England days, it was a very good signing from Liverpool’s point of view but he is being kept out of the side by some very good players. It isn’t a criticism or negative of him,” he added.
‘’I don’t want to go into details, because I haven’t been doing the deal. You have to speak to Steve Parrish. He has given about the fact, but I don’t want to go into more detail.’’
The 21-year-old striker, who helped England win the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, was born in England to parents of Nigerian descent.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reportedly expressed an interest in convincing Solanke to switch his international allegiance to the Super Eagles.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.