Thierry Henry Clears Air Over Nigeria ‘Bad Luck’ Comment In Viral World Cup Video

Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, has moved to quell controversy sparked by a viral video from the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressing that he has nothing but love and respect for Nigeria.

The former France striker found himself at the centre of an online debate after a clip showed him and Zlatan Ibrahimović reacting to popular streamer IShowSpeed wearing a United States jersey with Nigerian national team shorts during the tournament opener.

Spotting the outfit, Ibrahimović remarked: “You have an American shirt, you have Nigerian shorts.”

Henry then added: “I love Nigeria, but today is US for you.”

When IShowSpeed questioned why the two kits could not be mixed, Henry explained that his comment was rooted in sporting superstition rather than criticism of Nigeria.

“It is great. Nigeria is great,” Henry responded. “But that’s you bringing bad luck. You have to wear a full combo. There’s nothing wrong, I love Nigeria, but you have to wear US shorts and US shirt.”

The exchange quickly gained traction online, with some viewers interpreting Henry’s remarks as suggesting Nigeria itself was “bad luck”.

In response, the Arsenal icon posted a video on his Instagram story on Saturday to clarify his comments and reaffirm his affection for the country.

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

“So IShowSpeed yesterday had shorts of Nigeria and the top of the US, and so I just said to him it is bad luck to break the set. It could have been the shorts of France, Italy or Spain; I would have said the same thing.

“I was just having a little joke with him, saying that it will be bad luck; not Nigeria is bad luck, but to break the set is bad luck.

“And I even said I love, I love Naija, and by the way, I do. I have mad respect for Nigeria and the people there, a lot of Arsenal fans out there. Nigeria is never bad luck; I was just saying breaking the set is bad luck with any other sport.”

Naija News reports that the clarification came a day after the United States made a flying start to their World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Folarin Balogun scored twice as the Americans took control, while an own goal from Damián Bobadilla and a late strike from Gio Reyna completed an impressive opening-night display for the side managed by Mauricio Pochettino in Group D.