Football legend Thierry Henry has addressed criticism from Nigerian fans after a lighthearted comment he made during a live broadcast was interpreted by some as disrespectful toward the country.
The former France international came under fire on Saturday while providing analysis for FOX Sports during the United States Men's National Team's 4-1 victory over Paraguay alongside fellow football icon Zlatan Ibrahimović.
During the broadcast, popular streamer IShowSpeed appeared wearing Nigeria-themed shorts paired with a United States jersey. Reacting to the outfit, Henry remarked, “I love Nigeria, but not today. Today is USA for you.”
When IShowSpeed asked, “What’s wrong with Nigeria?” Henry immediately responded, “Nigeria is great.”
However, after Paraguay scored against the United States, Henry jokingly blamed the streamer’s mismatched outfit, saying, “You see? You bring bad luck. That’s you bringing bad luck.”
The comment sparked criticism from some Nigerian fans on social media, with many interpreting it as an insult directed at the country.
In response, Henry released a video to explain that his remarks were intended as a joke about mixing different national team kits rather than a criticism of Nigeria.
“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.
He explained that his comment was specifically about breaking the matching set of football apparel.
“I just spoke yesterday about the shorts of Nigeria and the top of the US. 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, because you go as a set.”
Henry also reiterated his admiration for Nigeria and its people, stressing that his comments 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, by the way, are 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.”
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