IShowSpeed's passport request to Seyi Tinubu goes viral at World Cup final
American streaming sensation IShowSpeed has gone viral after asking Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, to help secure him a Nigerian passport during a chance encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday. The exchange occurred during the streamer's livestream from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win their second World Cup title, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.
In a clip circulating widely on social media, a man calls Speed's attention while he watches the match from the stands and introduces him to the president's son. Speed greeted the group warmly before making his request. "Ay man, tell your dad to get me a Nigerian passport," he said, repeating the request directly to Seyi Tinubu moments later when the two came face to face.
Seyi Tinubu's response and the context behind the joke
Seyi Tinubu, who was spotted wearing a Spain jersey in the VIP section of the stadium alongside his children and other family members, responded warmly to the streamer. The interaction has since drawn widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians amused by Speed's affection for the country.
The passport joke carries genuine context. IShowSpeed visited Lagos in January 2026 as part of his 28-day Speed Does Africa tour, livestreaming his experiences across the city to millions of viewers worldwide. During the visit, he toured the Nike Art Gallery, met Nigerian celebrities, and celebrated his birthday in the country, receiving an overwhelming reception from fans that he has spoken about fondly since.
Speed's Africa tour and milestone in Nigeria
The Lagos leg of the tour coincided with Speed becoming the first Black content creator to surpass 50 million YouTube subscribers, making Nigeria the backdrop for one of the biggest milestones of his career. His Africa tour also included stops in Angola, Ghana, and South Africa, but his reception in Nigeria stood out as particularly memorable, a fact his passport comment on Sunday suggests has not been forgotten.
Darren Watkins Jr., known online as IShowSpeed, is one of the most-subscribed content creators on YouTube, with a fanbase that spans the United States, Latin America, and increasingly, Africa. The encounter with Seyi Tinubu at the World Cup final has further cemented his connection with Nigerian fans.
