Spain are world champions again after Ferran Torres scored a late winner in extra time to defeat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

The victory at MetLife Stadium, in front of 80,663 fans, gives La Roja their second World Cup title, 16 years after their 2010 triumph in South Africa.

Argentina, bidding to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back titles, were reduced to 10 men late in regulation.

After 90 minutes ended goalless, the match turned in the closing minutes of normal time when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card following a tackle on Pau Cubarsi.

With the numerical advantage, Spain broke through late in extra time.

Ferran Torres slammed home to put Spain ahead with minutes remaining, sealing a 1-0 win and sparking wild celebrations from the Spanish bench.

Spain reached the final with a composed 2-0 semi-final victory over France in Dallas, extending a run that has seen them concede just one goal all tournament.

Argentina advanced with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England in Atlanta, with Lionel Messi assisting both goals in the 85th and 91st minutes.

The final marked the first ever World Cup decider between the reigning world champions and the current European champions, and pitted the tournament’s top-ranked teams.

It also featured a generational duel between 39-year-old Messi, who finished with 8 goals in the tournament, and 19-year-old Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal.

Spain are now two-time world champions after winning in 2010. The Spanish women are also reigning world champions, having beaten England in 2023.

Argentina, champions in 1978, 1986 and 2022, fall just short in their bid for a fourth title. Messi was chasing a second straight World Cup after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar.

The match was played at New York New Jersey Stadium, home of the NFL’s Giants and Jets, and was broadcast live on FOX in English and Telemundo in Spanish in the U.S.

The final also featured FIFA’s first-ever World Cup halftime show, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

With the 2026 tournament, the first expanded to 48 teams, concluding in New Jersey, Spain leave as champions — and Argentina as runners-up in a final that lived up to its billing as a clash of Europe vs South America.

By Olayinka Austin

Students of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, today, participated in a Photojournalism Festival designed to strengthen their practical understanding of photojournalism through hands-on field experience.

The festival, which commenced at approximately 1:15 p.m. after persistent rainfall delayed the programme, brought together students, lecturers, and faculty executives for a day of practical learning, creativity, and entertainment.

The exercise was organised to prepare students for the practical component of the Photojournalism course.

Students from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, the Department of Broadcasting and Media Studies, and the Department of Mass Communication embarked on a field exercise across the Abraka metropolis, scouting businesses and capturing photographs that documented commercial activities and reflected the town’s economic landscape through a photojournalistic lens.

The event was graced by faculty executives and distinguished lecturers from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, who commended the initiative and encouraged students to approach practical journalism with professionalism and creativity.

Beyond the field exercise, the festival featured a variety of entertaining activities, including a fashion parade, dance competition, music, and refreshments, creating a lively atmosphere for students and guests.

Awards were also presented to students whose photojournalism projects stood out for excellence, creativity, and originality.

A major highlight of the festival was the assessment and grading of students’ works by the course lecturer, Prof. Oscar Odiboh, alongside faculty executives, who critically examined each submission based on its news value, creativity, composition, storytelling, and overall photojournalistic quality before selecting the best entries for recognition.

Addressing the students, Prof. Odiboh stressed that participation in the festival is a compulsory requirement for the course, warning that failure to take part would result in failure of the practical component.

He urged students to take the exercise seriously, describing practical fieldwork as an essential aspect of professional journalism training.

The event successfully combined academic learning with entertainment, creating an atmosphere of collaboration, healthy competition, and creativity among students.

Participants expressed excitement over the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while interacting with business owners and residents across Abraka.

The Photojournalism Festival concluded with students celebrating their achievements and sharing experiences from the field, reinforcing the faculty’s commitment to experiential learning and professional development in media education.

The day’s activities left participants with valuable practical experience and unforgettable memories of learning, teamwork, music, and celebration, proving that even a heavy downpour could not dampen the enthusiasm and creativity of the students.

By Anthonia Okposo

Thousands of students, academic staff, non-academic staff, and residents of Abraka gathered at the Indoor Sports Hall of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, for the DELSU Day of Prayer, a special intercessory programme dedicated to the peace, progress, and academic success of the university, as well as the unity and development of Nigeria.

The large prayer gathering was organized by Believers’ Loveworld (Christ Embassy) in collaboration with the university administration, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Asagba, and the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

The programme was led by Pastor Eddy Obagbe, Resident Pastor of Believers’ Loveworld (BLW), Abraka Group.

Delivering the sermon, Pastor Obagbe emphasized the importance of prayer in both personal and national development, urging young Nigerians to build their lives on faith, discipline, and constant communion with God.

“Prayer is not merely a religious ritual; it is one of the fundamental ways through which believers align themselves with God’s purpose.

“As young people, we must remain steadfast in prayer for our families, our university, and our nation.

“Through prayer, we receive wisdom, strength, and direction to overcome life’s challenges.”

He encouraged students to remain focused on their academic pursuits while upholding moral values, integrity, and peaceful coexistence within the university community.

Throughout the programme, participants offered prayers for the continued peace and stability of Delta State University, the success of students in their academic endeavours, the well-being of lecturers and university management, and God’s guidance for Nigeria’s leaders.

Special prayer sessions were also held for national unity, economic recovery, security, and lasting peace across the country.

The atmosphere was marked by passionate worship, thanksgiving, and intercessory prayers, with participants expressing hope for a brighter future for both the university and the nation.

Several attendees described the event as spiritually uplifting and timely.

A student who participated in the programme said the gathering served as a reminder that success in academics requires not only hard work but also faith and perseverance.

“It was inspiring to see thousands of students praying together for the university and the country. The programme encouraged me to remain hopeful despite the challenges facing Nigeria.”

Another participant noted that the event strengthened unity among students from different faculties, backgrounds, and denominations, demonstrating the shared desire for peace and progress.

Organisers explained that the Day of Prayer was intended to foster spiritual growth, encourage moral living, and promote a culture of peace within the university community.

They emphasised that beyond academic excellence, students should cultivate values such as honesty, discipline, compassion, and service to humanity, which contribute to building a more responsible and peaceful society.

The DELSU Day of Prayer brought together thousands of students, staff, and residents in a collective expression of faith and hope for the future of Delta State University and Nigeria.

As participants departed the Indoor Sports Hall, many expressed renewed optimism that through unity, prayer, and responsible leadership, the university community would continue to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

The event also reaffirmed the belief that faith-based initiatives remain an important platform for promoting peace, moral values, and national development.