General News
On Record: 39 million Americans Watched Spain Beat Messi and Argentina in America
An unprecedented number of United States residents tuned in to watch how Spain defeated Argentina to win the soccer World Cup on Sunday afternoon of July 19, 2026
According to Fox announcement on Tuesday, 38.937 million people watched Spain’s win in the World Cup final, which made it the most-watched soccer telecast in United States history. The game peaked at just more than 51.6 million viewers.
Furthermore, Peacock and Telemundo had a combined 22.6 million viewers for the game. Altogether, that brings the total up to about 61. 5 million viewers in the United States.
By comparison, Argentina’s win in the 2022 World Cup final drew about 16.7 million viewers for a contest held in Qatar in December, an awkward time for an American audience. The NBA Finals earlier this summer averaged more than 20 million viewers on ABC and ESPN, which made it the most-watched Finals since 1998.
This year’s match was also the most-watched non-NFL telecast on any network since Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. The Chicago Cubs’ win that year drew more than 40 million viewers on Fox. Spain’s win over Argentina also broke the previous mark that the United States men’s national team set when 30 million people watched them lose to Belgium earlier this month.
While the World Cup final number is impressive, the Super Bowl still dominates in the United States. Super Bowl LX earlier this year averaged about 125 million viewers.
Spain beat Lionel Messi and Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday afternoon in New Jersey, thanks to an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres. It marked Spain’s first World Cup title since 2010, and stopped Messi and Argentina from winning back-to-back tournaments.
Yahoo Sports
General News
Gov Sule Sacks 8, Appoints 9 New Special Advisers
From Terkura Vande in Makurdi
The Nasarawa State Governor,
Abdullahi Sule, has sacked eight Special Advisers and appointed nine new ones.
In a statement signed by Shuaibu Magaji Labaran, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, and issued to journalists in Lafia, on Friday, the scribe of the state, noted that the move was part of the administration’s commitment to strengthening service delivery.
He explained that in order to sustain the pace of development through informed counsel, Sule, also approved the appointment of new Special Advisers to fill in the portfolio of those that were sacked.
According to the statement, the Special Advisers relieved of their appointments are: Hon. Lawal Yakubu Karshi, Hon. Danlami Lawal Moroa, Haruna Kasimu Idris, Hon. Gambo Abdullahi, Muhammadu Usman Shege, Ibrahim Shekarau Dahiru, Engr. Moses Utondo, and Hon. Elsie Monday.
They are to be replaced by Barr. David Moyi Sule, Special Adviser on Humanitarian Service; Hon Jafaru Ango, Special Adviser, Public Works; Alhaji Ado Dauda, Special Adviser on Social Investment; and Hon. Abdullahi Angibi, Special Adviser on Political Affairs.
Others are: Prince Nuhu Dauda Shege, Special Adviser on Rural Development; Hon. Joseph Attah, Special Adviser on Information and Orientation; Dr Felix Upav Saaior, Special Adviser on Education; Hon. Peter Mbucho, Special Adviser on Health; and Idris Suleiman Dansauka, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs.
According to the statement, the new appointees are to be sworn in on a yet to be announced date.
General News
NANS President to UI Outgoing VC: “You are a tyrant, an unrepentant oppressor …”
–Calls on ICPC to probe tenure
By Our Reporter
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, has written a May- it-never-be-well-with- you valedictory letter to the outgoing VC of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Oyebode Adebowale.
In the letter of July 23, 2026 the student leader describes Prof Adebowoke as “a tyrant, an unrepentant oppressor, and a callous administrator.”
According to the student president in the letter full of venom:
“In your role as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, an administrative position where your character was tested with power, you ruled with oppression. Your infamous tenure was characterized by anti-student policies, many of which subjected students to hardship, strained them beyond their limits, and made learning frustrating for them.
“Worst of all, the most terrifying part of your rule is that whenever students rose to fight for their rights, you went out of your way, as a narcissist and an unrepentant oppressor, to intimidate, suspend, and ultimately expel them. You did the unimaginable, punishing student leaders who sought better welfare for students. The height of it all was that you ultimately silenced the Students’ Union and made it appear like a dog that can only bark but not bite. Oh, how terrible your rule was,” the release stated.
The student union head continued: “As if all of that were not enough, your tenure has also been marred by controversies and several allegations of corruption. In the foregoing, on behalf of the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), I call on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the tenure of Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.”
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the apex and umbrella body representing millions of Nigerian students both within Nigeria and in the diaspora. I write not just as the NANS President but also as a critical stakeholder in the education sector and nation-building at large.
Since my days in office as the Vice President, External Affairs of NANS, to my time in office as the Senate President and now President, I monitored your activities as the Vice-Chancellor of the great University of Ibadan. On purpose, I waited until this moment, when you are leaving office, to address your infamous rule. Why? Because, unlike you, who was intoxicated by power, I am not oblivious to the fact that power is transient. Now that you are leaving office, it is time for your deeds to catch up with you.
As I reflect on your infamous rule, I do not seem to find the best words to describe your level of narcissism. However, if there is one thing you proved in office, it is the fact that you are not to be trusted with power. Lo, you have proven beyond doubt to be a tyrant, an unrepentant oppressor, and a callous administrator.
I know for a fact that when you eventually read this statement, you will be imprisoned by your own conscience, which will continually strike you for choosing the path of oppression. I am certain that, now that your future and subsequent pursuits are hinged on your infamous rule as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, you are already full of regrets.
Going forward, be informed that you have lost the trust of Nigerian students, a significant proportion of the country’s population, accounting for more than 19%. Be informed that, following your tenure, if you are nominated for any position in this country, Nigerian students will mobilize massively against you.
Now that the ride has finally come to an end, and Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale now faces the reality that all eras come to an end and must now wander in the wilderness of his infamous tenure, I hope other Vice-Chancellors will see him as a deterrent and choose to uphold integrity in society.
General News
In Countering Terrorist Ideology, Media are Crucial –Defence Minister
By Son Tertsea, Abuja
General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), Minister of Defence, has stressed the indispensable role of the media in countering terrorist ideology and supporting Nigeria’s sustained efforts to address the evolving challenges of asymmetric warfare.
The Minister made the comments when the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), paid him a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Defence headwuarters in Abuja.
Gen. Musa said strong collaboration between the military and the media, was essential in Countering Terrorist Ideology.
Gen. Musa said the importance of such a strong collaboration between the military and the media was essential in ensuring that Nigerians receive timely, accurate and credible information on defence and security matters. In his words:
“Terrorism begins with a radical ideology, and such an ideology cannot be defeated with military hardware alone; it must also be countered with information. The objective is to change mindsets. That is why some citizens, often unknowingly, amplify terrorist propaganda on social media. To educate the public and discourage such actions, the media play a crucial role in disseminating the right narrative and promoting greater public awareness.”
He added, “The military really needs the media at this period of asymmetric warfare. My office will continue to maintain an open-door policy to foster a cordial relationship with the media and ensure the dissemination of accurate information to the public.”
He further assured the delegation that the Ministry would give due consideration to DECAN’s proposals and immediately implement those that are feasible.
“We encourage defence correspondents to remain fair, balanced and professional in their reportage, as responsible journalism is vital to achieve national security and public trust,” he added.
Earlier, the President of DECAN, Mr Odita Sunday, congratulated General Musa on his appointment as Minister of Defence, describing it as a reflection of his professionalism, competence and distinguished service to the nation.
He added that the association had resolved to confer on the Minister the title of GRAND PATRON OF DECAN during its Conference and Award ceremony scheduled for October 2026.
The event will also feature the launch of the association’s publication, Defence Correspondents.
“Your appointment is a testament to your years of dedicated service, professionalism and commitment to the security of our nation. We are honoured to confer on you the title of Grand Patron of DECAN in recognition of your support for defence journalism,”
Odita stated
The DECAN President reaffirmed the association’s commitment to responsible, balanced and factual reporting of defence and security issues.
