By our reporter 14.6.2026
Former Arsenal and French striker Thiery Henry attracted knocks from Nigerian football fans after he joked that wearing the Super Eagles jersey was “bad luck.”
The World Cup winner with France was engaged in a lighthearted conversation with popular streamer IShowSpeed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when he made the remarks. IShowSpeed had worn Nigerian jersey shorts and a USA jersey shirt while celebrating the US 4-1 win over Paraguay.
Henry had told IShowSpeed it was bad luck to wear a combination of jerseys. But Nigerian fans didn’t take the joke lying low on social media. However, speaking in a video posted online, Henry clarified his statement.
“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.
“I just said to him it is bad luck to break the set. Could have been the shorts of France, Italy or Spain, I would have said the same thing.
“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, by the way out there, so don’t misunderstand that stuff, please.”
“Nigeria is never bad luck. I was just saying breaking the set is bad luck with any other shorts.”
His explanation was well taken by Nigerian fans. Henry during his days with Arsenal was a darling of Nigerian football followers they gave the title “Igwe.”