By Onyekachi Victoria Philip
Months after the thrilling Asun Carnival 2026 football competition captivated thousands of spectators at the Ondo Ekimogun Sports Stadium, the tournament has received a major international endorsement from former United States national soccer team captain, David D’Errico.
Speaking during a virtual meeting of the Motherland Beckons group, a global network of Africans and friends of Africa committed to strengthening ties between the continent and its diaspora, D’Errico described the Ondo Interstreet Football Competition as a movement transforming grassroots football into a global platform for discovering young talents.
“I had the greatest honour to play against some of the greatest players that ever played soccer,” he said. “It is an honour to be an ambassador of the Ondo Interstreet Soccer Competition,a proud movement transforming grassroots soccer into a global platform.”
According to him, the competition has grown beyond being a local tournament, attracting international attention as a stage where future football stars can be discovered.
“Ondo Interstreet Football is making a bold statement. This is no longer just a local tournament. It is an international stage where talent is discovered, dreams are ignited and future stars are born. From the streets of Ondo to the global soccer community, something special is happening here.”
Encouraging young players participating in the competition, D’Errico reminded them that many of today’s football icons began their careers playing street football.
“Every young soccer player, the world is watching. Every single player, down to Lamine Yamal, all played street soccer. This is your opportunity to be identified.”
He further revealed plans to support the initiative by providing educational resources, job skills training, college scholarship opportunities and pathways into professional football.
“We will be bringing the resources to help educate players, provide job skills, create college scholarship opportunities and help them pursue professional careers. We look forward to helping these dreams come true.”
Reflecting on the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup, D’Errico added that football has the power to unite people across nations and expressed optimism that the Ondo Interstreet Football Competition could produce future international stars.
“As you saw in the 2026 World Cup, football brings people together. We look forward to you being the next superstar.”