Thierry Henry Goes Viral: Arsenal Legend Speaks Pidgin to Victor Osimhen in UCL Interview

 

​In a heartwarming moment that has taken social media by storm, Arsenal and French football legend Thierry Henry surprised fans worldwide by greeting Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in Nigerian Pidgin English. The exchange took place during a live post-match interview on CBS Sports Golazo following Galatasaray's dramatic progression in the UEFA Champions League (UCL). As the "African Giant" of football continues to conquer Europe, this playful interaction with one of the game's greatest legends highlights the global cultural impact of Nigerian football and the deep respect "Igwe" Henry holds for the Super Eagles star.

​The Moment: "Victor, How Bodi? Bodi Dey?"

​The viral incident occurred on Wednesday night, February 25, 2026, after Galatasaray secured a hard-fought qualification for the UCL Round of 16. During the post-match segment, Henry, who was on punditry duty alongside Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards, opened the interview with a line that left Osimhen beaming with pride.

​“Victor, this is Thierry. First and foremost, how bodi? Bodi dey?” Henry asked with a perfect accent. A clearly delighted Osimhen laughed and responded in kind, “Yeah, bodi dey fine,” much to the amusement of the studio panel. The clip has since garnered millions of views on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, with fans praising Henry for his cultural awareness and his ability to connect with players on a personal level.

​The Match: Osimhen the Hero in Turin

​The backdrop for this wholesome moment was a high-stakes UCL knockout playoff between Galatasaray and Juventus. Despite a 3-2 loss in the second leg at the Allianz Stadium, the Turkish champions advanced with a 7-5 aggregate victory, thanks to their dominant 5-2 win in the first leg.

​Victor Osimhen was once again the talisman for his side. After providing a hat-trick of assists in the first leg, he scored a crucial extra-time goal in Turin to extinguish Juventus’ hopes of a comeback. His performance was described by Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk as "decisive," proving once again why his market value has reportedly soared to over €150 million since his move to Istanbul.

​Why Thierry Henry Speaks Pidgin

​While many were surprised, Henry’s familiarity with Nigerian culture is well-documented. During his legendary spell at Arsenal (1999–2004), he shared a locker room with Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu, from whom he likely picked up his first Pidgin phrases. Henry has also expressed immense admiration for Jay-Jay Okocha, calling him "the most gifted player I've ever seen."

​In 2017, Henry visited Lagos, Nigeria, where he was officially crowned with the title “Igwe of Football” (King of Football). His bond with the country is genuine, and his use of Pidgin to greet Osimhen was a deliberate nod to the striker's roots and the massive Nigerian fanbase that follows the Champions League religiously.

​The "Big Legend" Snub: Osimhen vs. Micah Richards

​The interview wasn't just about Pidgin; it also featured the classic banter for which the CBS Sports Golazo crew is famous. In a hilarious segment, Micah Richards asked Osimhen who his favorite pundit on the show was. Without missing a beat, Osimhen respectfully snubbed Richards and chose Henry, calling the Frenchman a “big legend.”

​The response left Richards in mock disgust while Henry and Carragher burst into laughter. Osimhen also had the studio in stitches when he initially failed to recognize the show Richards was referring to, asking, "Which show?" before realizing he was live on it. This charismatic display has further endeared Osimhen to international audiences, cementing his status as a "global brand" beyond his exploits on the pitch.

​Conclusion: A Night of Cultural and Sporting Triumph

​The interaction between Thierry Henry and Victor Osimhen is a testament to the power of football to bridge cultures. For Nigerian fans, seeing a global icon like Henry embrace their language to honor their greatest current talent is a point of immense pride. As Galatasaray prepares for the Round of 16, where they could face giants like Liverpool or Tottenham, Osimhen’s stock continues to rise—not just as a world-class striker, but as a cultural ambassador for African football.