Thierry Henry Clarifies ‘Bad Luck’ Remark After Viral World Cup Video with IShowSpeed

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has moved to clear the air after a clip from the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener went viral, in which he appeared to link Nigeria with bad luck. The former France striker stressed that he holds nothing but love and respect for the Nigerian team and its supporters.

The controversy began when Henry and fellow former star Zlatan Ibrahimović reacted to popular streamer IShowSpeed, who wore a United States jersey paired with Nigerian national team shorts during the match. Ibrahimović noted the mixed outfit, saying, “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 combined, Henry explained that his comment stemmed from a sporting superstition rather than any criticism of Nigeria. He said, “It is great. Nigeria is great. 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 spread online, with some viewers interpreting Henry’s words as suggesting that Nigeria itself was “bad luck.” In response, the Arsenal icon posted a clarification video on his Instagram story on Saturday.

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

He continued, “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.”

On the pitch, the United States secured a strong opening‑night performance in Group D, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice, an own goal from Damián Bobadilla, and a late strike from Gio Reyna sealing the victory under manager Mauricio Pochettino.