Thierry Henry explains his joke about Nigeria's Super Eagles shorts

French football star Thierry Henry has explained his comments about Nigerian Super Eagles shorts worn by popular American streamer IShowSpeed. This happened during the United States’ first match against Paraguay, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.

The match took place at Los Angeles Stadium, where Henry was a pundit. The US won 4-1 against Paraguay. During the game, IShowSpeed wore Nigerian Super Eagles shorts under a USA jersey. Henry jokingly called the outfit “bad luck.” This remark came right after Paraguay scored, making the score 3-1.

Many fans thought Henry’s comment was disrespectful to Nigeria and the Super Eagles. This led to a lot of criticism on social media.

After the backlash, the former Arsenal and Barcelona player clarified that his words were meant as a joke and not an insult to Nigeria or its fans. He said, “I don’t think people understand when a joke is a joke. 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.”

Henry continued, “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, and a lot of Arsenal fans.”

He added, “Don’t misunderstand stuff. Nigeria is never bad luck.” Henry’s comments gained attention online because IShowSpeed has a huge following, with millions of fans across different social media platforms. This interest grew as the World Cup continues in the United States.

The reaction to Henry’s words may have been stronger because the Super Eagles have missed the last two World Cups. They are one of Africa’s most successful teams and have produced many players who shine in Europe’s top leagues.