‎ By Kenneth Madaki

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‎Arsenal football legend, Thierry Henry, has cleared the air following social media reactions to a viral video from the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match, insisting he has nothing but “mad respect” and love for Nigeria.

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‎The controversy began during the tournament opener, where popular American streamer IShowSpeed met football icons Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry.

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‎A viral video captured them questioning Speed’s decision to pair a United States national team jersey with Nigerian national team shorts.

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‎Spotting the mixed outfit in the stands, Ibrahimović said, “You have an American shirt, you have Nigerian shorts.”

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

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‎When IShowSpeed asked what was wrong with mixing Nigeria and America, Henry explained that breaking up a uniform set brings sporting superstition into play.

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‎“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.”

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‎Following online misinterpretations that he suggested Nigeria itself was “bad luck,” Henry took to his official Instagram story on Saturday to issue a clear disclaimer and reiterate his deep fondness for the West African nation and its massive Arsenal fanbase.

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‎“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 in the video.

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‎“So IShowSpeed yesterday had a 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.

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‎“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.

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‎“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 short.”