The Arsenal and France legend, working as a studio analyst alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexi Lalas, reacted during a pre-match segment involving streamer IShowSpeed, who wore a US jersey paired with Nigerian national team shorts.
Ibrahimovic joked about the combination, while Henry remarked that mixing kits is often considered bad luck in sport and added, “I love Nigeria, but today is US for you.”
The comments were widely shared on social media and prompted backlash from supporters in Nigeria.
However, Henry later issued an apology, clarifying that no offence was intended and acknowledging the sensitivity of national team symbols and fan pride, while revealing he respects Nigerian football culture deeply and supports its global fanbase always.
"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 said.
"So IShowSpeed yesterday had Nigerian shorts and a US top, and 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 joking with him, saying it would be bad luck; not that Nigeria is bad luck, but that breaking the set is bad luck.
"I even said I love Naija, and I do. I have mad respect for Nigeria and the people there.
"There are 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 shorts."
Henry enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Arsenal, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest forwards.
During his time at the club, he also played alongside Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu, forming part of a memorable squad that delivered major domestic success under Arsene Wenger.
