Former France international Thierry Henry has clarified remarks he made about a pair of Nigerian Super Eagles shorts worn by popular content creator IShowSpeed during the United States’ FIFA World Cup opener against Paraguay.
Henry came under criticism on social media after jokingly describing the shorts as “bad luck” during the United States’ 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The comment was made after Paraguay scored to reduce the deficit from 3-0.
The remark sparked reactions online, with some users interpreting it as a slight against Nigeria and its national football team.
Addressing the controversy, Henry said the comment was intended purely as a joke and was not directed at Nigeria.
“I don’t think people understand when a joke is a joke,” Henry said. “IShowSpeed had the shorts of Nigeria and the top of the US. I just told him it was bad luck to break the set. It could have been the shorts of France, Italy or Spain, I would have said the same thing.”
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The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward stressed that he has great respect for Nigeria and its people, dismissing claims that he had insulted the country.
“I was just having a little joke, not that Nigeria is bad luck, and I even said I love Naija. I have mad respect for Nigeria and the people there,” he added.
The incident drew widespread attention due to IShowSpeed’s global following and the heightened interest surrounding the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Henry’s clarification has since helped ease concerns among fans who viewed the original remark as offensive.
