By OGAH ADIKPE

American internet sensation and streaming personality, Darren Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed, has thrown the global football community into a frenzy following the release of his self-acclaimed tournament anthem, “World Cup (Champions).”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high-energy music video, which premiered on YouTube on June 1, racked up over 3.3 million views and hundreds of thousands of likes in less than 24 hours.

The track heavily features infectious crowd chants representing various footballing nations, with a distinct spotlight shone on Ghana, a country where he holds honorary citizenship, complete with massive flags and traditional dancers.

Following the immediate viral success of the video, Watkins publicly tagged the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) on digital platforms, requesting that the track be adopted as the tournament’s official melody.

In a swift response that sent shockwaves through the internet, FIFA’s verified handle replied, “We will be in touch.”

The development has triggered massive debates online, with football fans and digital commentators aggressively drawing comparisons between IShowSpeed’s indie anthem and the official FIFA soundtrack, “Goals,” by Lisa, Anitta, and Rema, ahead of the global showpiece kicking off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Reacting to the viral release, an X user, @yetunede, praised the content creator’s cultural representation, posting: “IShowSpeed putting Ghana on his back for this World Cup video is everything.

The energy, the flags, the dancers—this feels more organic and alive than the actual official song. Ghana to the world!”

Another commentator, @hindisilencio, echoed the sentiment, writing: “FIFA needs to stop overcomplicating things and just make this the official anthem.

Over 3 million views in less than a day for an independent release show exactly what the streets want to hear when the matches start.”

However, the track’s raw, chaotic internet style drew heavy criticism from sections of the music community who defended the artistic merit of the official soundtrack.

Expressing counter-views, @Danyflamez3 tweeted: “People comparing this Speed video to Rema, Lisa, and Anitta’s ‘Goals’ must be joking.

One is a globally produced, multi-million dollar masterpiece by Cirkut, and the other is just streaming noise. Let’s keep standard music separate from content creation.”

On his part, @lawizzygotswag raised concerns over the governing body’s response, stating: “FIFA saying ‘we will be in touch’ is hilarious but risky.

You can’t sideline established global artists who spent months crafting a multilingual anthem just to chase clout with a YouTuber’s viral video at the eleventh hour.”

NAN reports that FIFA is yet to release an official press statement regarding any formal adjustments to its musical lineup or opening ceremony schedule as of the time of filing this report. (NAN)

Update news