Arsenal legend apologises to Nigerians, says ‘Nigeria is never bad luck’ after viral video sparks online reactions

Arsenal legend and former France international, Thierry Henry, has issued a public apology to Nigerians after his remarks during the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States sparked backlash on social media. The incident occurred when popular American streamer, IShowSpeed, appeared at the tournament opener wearing a United States jersey with Nigerian national team shorts, drawing comments from Henry and Swedish football icon Zlatan Ibrahimović.

During the encounter, captured on video and widely circulated online, Ibrahimović pointed out Speed’s mixed outfit. Henry then remarked that while he loves Nigeria, mixing different national team kits is considered bad luck from a football superstition point of view. “It is great. Nigeria is great,” Henry said in the video. “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.”

Some Nigerian social media users interpreted Henry’s statement as an insult to the country, with several posts suggesting he implied Nigeria itself was ‘bad luck.’ One user commented, “Everyone is insulting Nigeria because of bad governance,” while another lamented the absence of the Super Eagles at the World Cup as a contributing factor.

In response to growing criticism, Henry took to his official Instagram Story on Saturday to clarify his comments. He explained that his reference to “bad luck” was strictly about breaking up a kit set—regardless of which countries were involved—and not about Nigeria as a nation. “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 in his video statement. He added: “So IShowSpeed yesterday had the 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.” Henry reiterated: “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.”

Henry went further to reaffirm his affection for Nigeria and its people: “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.”

The incident highlights sensitivities around national identity in international football tournaments and demonstrates how quickly comments made in jest can spark controversy online. While some Nigerians called for greater respect from global football personalities, others accepted Henry’s clarification as genuine and moved on from the episode.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-is-not-bad-luck-thierry-henry-makes-u-turn-on-ishowspeed-wcup-joke-after-backlash-2026061506464023094

Analysts highlight strong performance in oil and financial sectors as investors eye returns amid market volatility

Aradel Holdings, NEM Insurance, and FCMB Group have emerged as the leading stock picks for investors this week on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), with market analysts pointing to their resilient performance in Lagos despite ongoing volatility. The recommendation comes as at Monday, 15 June, reflecting renewed confidence in oil and financial sector equities.

Market observers noted that Aradel Holdings stood out for its consistent gains in the energy sector, while NEM Insurance attracted attention due to its improved underwriting results and robust claims management. FCMB Group also featured prominently among top picks following positive earnings reports and increased activities in its retail banking segment.

According to analysts tracking the NGX, these companies have shown strong fundamentals that could cushion investors against short-term market swings. The focus on these stocks is driven by their recent financial disclosures and sectoral positioning, with Aradel benefiting from favourable oil prices and NEM leveraging growth opportunities in Nigeria’s expanding insurance space.

Financial experts advise that while the Nigerian stock market remains susceptible to external shocks and local macroeconomic pressures—including naira depreciation and inflation—selective investment in well-performing companies like Aradel, NEM, and FCMB can offer relative stability. “Investors are encouraged to monitor company results closely and diversify across sectors with strong outlooks,” one analyst said.

The NGX is expected to maintain a cautious but optimistic trend as more listed firms release their half-year results. Market watchers anticipate further movements in energy and financial stocks amid ongoing economic reforms.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/887699-aradel-nem-fcmb-group-top-stock-pick-this-week.html

Optasia report shows Africa accounts for 94% of global airtime credit, as fintech sector faces regulatory review

Millions of mobile phone users in Lagos and across Nigeria borrowed a record ₦4.61 trillion in airtime credit in 2025, according to new figures from fintech company Optasia. The company’s latest financial report, released on Monday, revealed that demand for telecom-based lending surged throughout the year as living costs continued to rise and access to traditional banking remained limited for many Nigerians.

The data showed that customers across emerging markets borrowed $3.18 billion (₦4.61trn) in airtime on credit, with Africa accounting for more than 94 percent of the total amount. According to Optasia, the value of airtime credit issued through telecom operators increased by 12.3 percent compared to $2.83 billion (₦4.38trn) recorded in 2024. Lagos remains one of the largest urban markets driving this demand, alongside other major cities across Africa.

Experts say the figures highlight how millions of Nigerians are increasingly depending on small-value digital loans—popularly known as nano-loans—to stay connected and manage daily expenses. “Airtime credit services represent service fees charged on airtime credit amounting to $3,176.34m (2024: $2,829.2m) granted to subscribers of the telecom operators during the year,” Optasia stated in its financial summary.

The report also revealed that nano-loan transactions more than doubled within the year, reaching $2.30 billion globally in 2025 from $967.9 million in 2024. Africa accounted for $1.41 billion (61 percent) of these loans, while Europe and Asia contributed $888.9 million combined. Optasia explained that its technology platform enables telecom operators and financial institutions to assess customer eligibility for these credits through behavioural analysis and automated scoring systems.

While this rapid growth has boosted revenue—Optasia’s earnings jumped by 75 percent to $265 million in 2025—the company faces regulatory uncertainty as authorities consider opening Nigeria’s airtime lending sector further to local fintech firms. The National Communications Commission (NCC) is expected to release new guidelines later this year to increase competition and consumer protection within the sector.

With profit after tax rising to $43 million and total assets more than doubling, industry analysts believe the trend will continue as economic pressures persist and more Nigerians seek quick digital solutions for essential services like mobile connectivity.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/airtime-credit-hits-naira46tn-as-millions-of-nigerians-borrow-to-stay-connected-2026061506461058179