Sports
City Join Lookman Chase
Manchester City have joined the race for Super Eagles and Atlanta forward Ademola Lookman following reports that the Nigerian has prioritised a move to another club this summer, Tidesports source.
The former Everton player’s future took a quick turn after French giants Paris Saint-Germain made enquiries about his availability on Sunday.
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was counting on the 26-year-old to continue with his fine form this season. However, his hopes have been dealt a devastating blow after Lookman, according to Football Italia, asked not to be called up for their 2024/25 Serie A opening game against Lecce on Monday.
The decision has seen Liverpool and Arsenal try to make last-minute efforts to sign the forward.
Meanwhile, a UK outlet, TBR Football, has included Manchester City among the clubs interested in the talented forward before the close of the transfer window.
Lookman left Everton for £23m in 2019 to join German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
However, the latest reports are now suggesting that he could be set for a return to England, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City all vying for his signature.
“TBR Football understands that Liverpool are now considering an audacious move to sign Ademola Lookman, who could strengthen Slot’s options up top,” the website wrote.
“All of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City have been informed of Lookman’s situation in Italy this summer.”
Atalanta may consider the sale of one of their prized assets should the right offer come, with the club eyeing a fee of around €60m for Lookman this summer, a player they’d be reluctant to lose in the same month as Teun Koopmeiners, another player linked with Liverpool.
Since joining Atlanta, Lookman has been in fine form for the Black and Blues, having scored a total of 32 goals with 18 assists in 79 competitive appearances.
He etched his name in the history books by becoming the sixth player to score a hat-trick in a European final—a feat first achieved by Jupp Heynckes for Borussia Monchengladbach in the 1975 Uefa Cup. Lookman scored all three goals in the Italian side’s win over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin.
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.
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