General news

• Messi set ‘blueprint’ for greatness – Antetokounmpo

  17-07-2026 10:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Giannis Antetokounmpo arrived in Miami to join the NBA’s Heat on Thursday taking inspiration from Lionel Messi, a sporting legend who launched his own new chapter of success with a move to South Florida.Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player from Greece who led the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2021 title, said Messi was the kind of player — like LeBron James — who produced the “blueprint” for sporting greatness.“You’ve just got to follow,”
  
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• Video: Burna Boy, Shakira perform ‘Dai Dai’ at World Cup half-time show

  19-07-2026 22:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy and Colombian singer Shakira delivered a live performance of Dai Dai, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during the tournament’s historic first-ever half-time show at the final between Argentina and Spain on Sunday.
  BURNA BOY AND SHAKIRA PERFORMING “DAI DAI” AT THE WORLD CUP HALFTIMEHIGHEST OF THEM ALLpic.twitter.com/km51MhIr2b— SB YANG (@REALYANG7G) July 19, 2026
  The duo lit up the stage at New York New Jersey Stadium with a
  
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• 2027: Sen Adeola accuses Ogun opposition of pursuing state treasury

  19-07-2026 22:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in Ogun, Sen. Solomon Adeola, has accused opposition politicians of pursuing personal interests to access the state’s treasury rather than serving the people.This is contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Kayode Odunaro.Adeola was quoted as making the allegation while addressing the Council of Iyalajes and Babaalajes (Market Leaders) in Remoland at his senatorial office in Ilaro, Yewa South Loc
  
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• Obidient Movement rallies support for Peter Obi, begins mobilisation for 2027

  19-07-2026 22:19 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Obidient Movement says it has intensified mobilisation of supporters for the presidential bid of Mr Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.The movement expressed confidence that its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), can provide the leadership needed to address Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.The call was made on Sunday in Abuja during the “FCT Obidient Movement Engagement Forum Towards 2027” tagged “B
  
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• 2027: Alake endorses Adebutu for Ogun governorship

  19-07-2026 22:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has publicly endorsed the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, ahead of the 2027 Ogun governorship election.The endorsement came when Adebutu and members of his campaign team paid a visit to the Egba Traditional Council to seek the blessings of the royal fathers for his governorship ambition.Speaking during the meeting, Oba Gbadebo, in the company of the Egba Traditional Council, described the Adebutu family a
  
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• Trump arrives at stadium for World Cup final

  19-07-2026 21:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US President Donald Trump arrived on Sunday for the World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium near New York where Argentina will take on Spain at the climax of the 48-team tournament.Trump’s helicopter set down next to the stadium as long lines of spectators waited to enter the venue through enhanced security checks.
  The post Trump arrives at stadium for World Cup final appeared first on Vanguard News.
  
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• NDC congratulates Peter Obi at 65

  19-07-2026 20:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry UmoruThe leadership of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, has congratulated its Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, at 65, ahead of the 2027 polls.A statement signed by the NDC National Chairman, Sen. Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe.and National Secretary,  Barrister Ikenna Morgan, respectively, read, “Today, we celebrate the hope of the nation, a leader of integrity, a servant leader, and the presidential candidate of the NDC, His Excellency, Peter Obi.“Your courage inspires
  
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• I will make Osun safe for all - Oyebamiji tells Osun Muslims community

  19-07-2026 20:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Shina AbubakarBola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate for the August 15 poll has assured residents of the state that he will make the state safe for business to thrive and citizens to prosper.Speaking at the Osun State Muslim community Secretariat in Osogbo during an interactive session on Sunday, he said the founding fathers of the state were concerned only with the greater good of all and never envisaged division along religious lines.Oyebamiji said he ha
  
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• Argentina make three changes in starting line up, Spain name same team

  19-07-2026 20:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Lionel Messi’s Argentina made three changes to their starting line-up for Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain as the holders attempt to become the first team since 1962 to retain the trophy.Gonzalo Montiel, who scored the winning penalty in the shootout in the 2022 final win against France, comes in at right-back in place of Nahuel Molina for Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina.The other changes see Rodrigo De Paul return in midfield, where Nico Gonzalez also starts, with Leandro Pa
  
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• Navy sustains operational control over illegal refining hotspots

  19-07-2026 19:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigerian Navy has continued to assert persistent operational control under Operation DELTA SENTINEL over known illegal refining hotspots in Rivers, thereby frustrating repeated attempts to reactivate dismantled refining infrastructure.This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho on Sunday in Abuja.Folorunsho, in the report, recalled that on July 10, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER discovered and deactivated illega
  
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• Peter Obi reflects on service at 65, donates ₦10m to rural hospital

  19-07-2026 19:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Vincent UjumaduAWKA — Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has marked his 65th birthday with a message of gratitude to God, reflection on his journey and a renewed commitment to service to humanity.Obi, in a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate the milestone, said birthdays should serve as moments for sober reflection and an opportunity to consider how one’s life can be dedicated more meaningfully to
  
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• I will be president for every NBA member — Badejo-Okusanya

  19-07-2026 19:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ABUJA — President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has pledged to lead an inclusive administration that caters for the interests of all members of the association, saying her victory represents a collective achievement for lawyers committed to building a stronger Bar.Badejo-Okusanya made the commitment in a statement issued on Sunday after emerging winner of the NBA national election, where she thanked members for the confidence reposed in her lead
  
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• Full list: Badejo-Okusanya, others emerge winners in 2026 NBA elections

  19-07-2026 19:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The full list of winners in the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, national elections has been released following the conclusion of voting and the announcement of results by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, ECNBA, on Sunday.Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, emerged as the 33rd President of the NBA after defeating two other senior lawyers in the keenly contested presidential election.Chairman of the ECNBA, Aham Ejelam, SAN, announced the presi
  
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• 2027: Adeola, Iyabo Obasanjo clash over APC exit

  19-07-2026 19:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaThe governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, and former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo have exchanged accusations following her defection from the ruling party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).Adeola accused some opposition politicians of pursuing the 2027 governorship contest for personal interests rather than the development of Ogun State, while Obasanjo dismissed the allegation, accusing him of lacking integ
  
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• IPMAN opposes rising petrol imports, warns of higher pump prices

  19-07-2026 19:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaThe Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has raised concerns over the recent increase in petroleum product import licences, warning that the development could worsen price instability, increase pressure on the naira and push petrol prices higher.National Publicity Secretary of IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike, who spoke on Sunday, said the association was worried that imported petrol was entering the market at prices above locally refined products, undermi
  
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• Drake places N2bn bet on Argentina to beat Spain in World Cup final

  19-07-2026 19:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Canadian rapper Drake has placed a $1.5 million (about N2.3 billion) bet on Argentina to defeat Spain in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final.The award-winning rapper, born Aubrey Drake Graham, shared a screenshot of the wager on his Instagram page ahead of the showpiece at the New York New Jersey Stadium.According to the betting slip, Drake stands to win more than $5.1 million if Argentina successfully defend their World Cup title by beating Spain.Sharing the screenshot with his millions o
  
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• ‘All people see online is character, I’m more mature privately’ — Peller

  19-07-2026 19:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Popular Nigerian content creator Peller has said the personality millions of people see on social media is different from who he is in private, describing himself as far more mature away from the cameras.The Tiktoker, in a snippet from an upcoming episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, said the energetic persona people see on social media is simply a character he portrays for entertainment, insisting those who know him personally see a much more mature side of him.“All people see online abo
  
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• NRS sets July 31 deadline for large taxpayers to adopt E-invoicing system

  19-07-2026 19:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ABUJA — The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has fixed July 31, 2026, as the deadline for all large taxpayers to fully comply with the mandatory adoption of the national e-invoicing and Electronic Fiscal System (EFS), also known as the Merchant Buyer Solution (MBS).The directive followed a public notice issued by the agency on February 17, 2026, outlining the implementation timeline and compliance requirements for the digital invoicing system.NRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, who signed the notic
  
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• ‘If Terry G fights me, he will rise again’ — Portable challenges singer to boxing match

  19-07-2026 19:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has challenged fellow artiste Terry G to a celebrity boxing match, claiming the bout would revive the veteran singer’s career.Portable made the remarks during an interview on Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television, where he discussed his growing involvement in celebrity boxing and his plans for future fights.When asked who he would like to face next in the ring, the “Zazuu” crooner named Terry G without hesitati
  
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• Petrol imports surge 207% in June as domestic supply declines — NMDPRA

  19-07-2026 19:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaNigeria’s petrol imports surged by 207 per cent in June 2026, reversing earlier gains recorded in domestic refining as local supply declined sharply, according to data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).An analysis of the authority’s monthly petrol supply data for the first six months of 2026 showed that while domestic refineries remained the major source of supply for most of the period, imports increased signif
  
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• Court okays request to sue AGF, Abia officials over use of LG funds

  19-07-2026 19:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted permission for an action to be filed for an order of judicial review of the utilisation of funds allocated to Local Government Areas in Abia State.The court’s decision followed an application filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Civil Society Observatory for Constitutional and Legal Compliance (CSOCLC).The Applicant alleged that government officials in Abia State refused to accede to a series of requests i
  
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• 5 players in race for 2026 World Cup Golden Ball

  19-07-2026 19:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball will be decided after Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina, with several players staking strong claims to be named the tournament’s best performer.While lifting the World Cup remains the ultimate prize, the Golden Ball is awarded to the player judged to have made the biggest impact throughout the competition.Lionel Messi appears to be the frontrunner, but Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal could strengthen their case
  
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• Katsina 2027: Minister mobilises 1m votes for Tinubu, Radda’s re-election

  19-07-2026 18:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Muttaka Rabe-Darma, has vowed to mobilise over one million votes for President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Dikko Radda ahead of the 2027 elections.The assurance was given on Sunday in Katsina by Mr Abubakar Tsanni, Director-General, Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu/Dikko (GMTD 2027), during an interactive session with youths and women’s groups.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rabe-Darma is the founder and Chairman of GMTD, a suppor
  
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• Solid Minerals Ministry, NIMC partner to boost digital governance, sector regulation

  19-07-2026 18:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Credible identity system will strengthen mining oversight — AlakeBy Gabriel EwepuABUJA — The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have commenced collaboration aimed at strengthening digital governance, improving security and accelerating reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.The partnership was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, La
  
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• Lamine Yamal shares Instagram post hours ahead of Argentina clash

  19-07-2026 18:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Spain winger Lamine Yamal has once again taken to social media with a cryptic message just hours before one of the biggest matches of his career.Ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, the 19-year-old shared an old photograph of himself as a child on Instagram, accompanied by the caption: “For you and for the streets.”The post quickly went viral as fans interpreted it as a message of confidence before the showdown at the Estadio Azteca.Yamal has become w
  
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• FG dismisses report of ISWAP attack on Girls College in Monguno

  19-07-2026 18:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Joseph Erunke, AbujaThe Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed reports alleging that suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists attacked the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State, killing students and attempting to abduct others.The ministry described the reports as false, saying its internal verification, including direct communication with the school principal, confirmed that the college remained safe and academic activities were ongoing.Th
  
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• Abia Govt pledges lasting solution over flooding on Owerri-Nta road

  19-07-2026 18:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ugochukwu AlaribeUMUAHIA, Abia State government has assured motorists and residents of Owerri-Nta in Isiala Ngwa South council area that it is committed to ending the flooding problem along the road, following the ongoing road reconstruction project.In a statement, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed that the government has taken note of a video circulating on social media showing flooding in a residential compound along the ongoing Owerri-Nta road, which is currently u
  
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• Police, corps members aid election rigging, says Deji Adeleke

  19-07-2026 18:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Warns Electoral Malpractices, Weak Rule of Law Scare Investors AwayBy Shina Abubakar, OsogboBillionaire businessman and founder of Adeleke University, Dr Deji Adeleke, has expressed concern over electoral malpractices and weak adherence to the rule of law, warning that such challenges are discouraging investors from doing business in Nigeria.Adeleke said continued loss of investor confidence could worsen unemployment and accelerate the migration of young Nigerians seeking better opportu
  
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• Troops kill two suspected terrorists, rescue three kidnap victims in Benue

  19-07-2026 18:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter Duru, MakurdiTroops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnap victims during an intelligence-led operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.The operation, which lasted two days, was carried out through Takum in neighbouring Taraba State and targeted suspected terrorist hideouts at Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Y
  
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• HURIWA urges transparency in management of recovered assets

  19-07-2026 18:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Commends EFCC’s recent court victoriesBy Chioma ObinnaThe Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) on Sunday called for greater transparency and public oversight in the management of assets recovered through anti-corruption efforts, saying Nigerians deserve to know how forfeited properties and funds are utilised.The group also commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for securing a series of court-backed forfeiture orders involving cash, luxury veh
  
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