Henry apologises to Nigerians after social media backclash

Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry has apologised to Nigerian fans after comments he made during a FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast triggered criticism on social media.

The incident occurred during FOX Sports’ coverage of the United States’ 4-1 victory over Paraguay, where Henry was working as a pundit alongside former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimović.

During the broadcast, popular streamer IShowSpeed appeared wearing a United States jersey paired with Nigerian shorts. Reacting to the outfit, Henry said: “I love Nigeria, but not today. Today is USA for you.”

When IShowSpeed questioned what was wrong with Nigeria, Henry immediately replied: “Nigeria is great.”

However, after Paraguay equalised during the game, Henry jokingly suggested that the streamer’s mixed outfit had brought bad luck, a remark that some Nigerian fans interpreted as disrespectful.

The comments quickly generated reactions online, prompting the former France international to issue a video statement clarifying his remarks.

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“I needed to clarify something because I don’t think people understand when you say stuff sometimes or when a joke is a joke,” Henry said.

The 1998 FIFA World Cup winner explained that his comments were directed at the combination of different national team apparel rather than Nigeria itself.

“Could have been the shorts of France, Italy or Spain — I would have said the same thing,” he added.

Henry was keen to emphasise his admiration for Nigeria and its people, insisting that his remarks had been misunderstood.

“I even said that I love Naija. And by the way, I do. I have my respect for Nigeria and the people there — a lot of Arsenal fans out there, by the way.”

He concluded: “Nigeria is never bad luck. I was just saying breaking the set is bad luck with any other shorts.”

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