Henry’s Pidgin Greeting to Osimhen Goes Viral
Football fans were treated to a lighthearted moment after Galatasaray S.K. knocked out Juventus F.C. in the UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs on Wednesday night. Arsenal great Thierry Henry switched to Nigerian Pidgin while interviewing striker Victor Osimhen live on television.
Henry, who was on punditry duty for CBS, caught viewers off guard when he began the post-match chat with, “Victor, this is Thierry. First and foremost, how bodi? Bodi dey?” A smiling Osimhen replied, “Yeah, bodi dey fine,” drawing laughter before the interview moved into tactical analysis of the game.
The Turkish side progressed 7–5 on aggregate after a tense two-legged contest. Galatasaray had taken control with a 5–2 first-leg win but allowed Juventus back into the tie after conceding three goals in the return leg, forcing extra time. Osimhen scored one of the crucial goals in the additional period as the Istanbul club netted twice to seal qualification for the next round for the first time in 12 years.
Henry’s exchange with Osimhen also revived memories of his connection to Nigerian footballers. During his time at Arsenal F.C., he played alongside Nwankwo Kanu, and he has often praised both Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha for their talent and influence.
The former French international has long shown admiration for Nigeria’s football culture, even receiving a special traditional honour during a past visit to Lagos a gesture that highlighted his bond with fans in the country.