Nigeria News (Standard)
Thierry Henry Clarifies Comments on Nigeria After Social Media Backlash During World Cup Opener
Arsenal legend apologises to Nigerians, says ‘Nigeria is never bad luck’ after viral video sparks online reactions
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.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.
According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.
The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.
In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.
The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.
According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.
The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.
As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.
According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.
The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.
While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.
With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.
Nwabali Returns as Okoye Left Out — Iheanacho Leads New-Look Super Eagles Against Russia
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
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