Both players with Nigerian heritage scored as Germany secured a convincing win over Curacao on Monday night

Germany’s national football team showcased dominant form as Nigerian-rooted stars Lukas Nmecha and Jamal Musiala both found the net in a comprehensive victory against Curacao during Monday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier. The match, played in Europe, saw the Germans dismantle their Caribbean opponents with contributions from players of Nigerian descent.

Nmecha, who has roots in Nigeria but represents Germany at senior level, opened the scoring early in the first half. Musiala, another player with Nigerian heritage, added to the tally with a skilful finish before half-time. Their goals set the tone for an energetic German side that controlled possession and dictated the pace throughout the encounter.

The performance of Nmecha and Musiala highlights the growing influence of players with African backgrounds in major European national teams. Both athletes have previously been linked to Nigeria’s Super Eagles through their family ties but opted to play for Germany at international level. Their decision continues to spark debate among Nigerian football stakeholders about talent identification and retention for national teams.

While officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have repeatedly emphasised efforts to attract diaspora talent, Monday’s display underlines the stiff competition Nigeria faces from European countries in securing top prospects. The NFF could not be immediately reached for comment following Germany’s emphatic result.

As Germany strengthens its squad ahead of future World Cup fixtures, analysts say performances like these will encourage further scouting of dual-heritage players by both African and European federations.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/887702-world-cup-2026-nigerian-rooted-stars-nmecha-musiala-score-as-germany-crush-curacao.html

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