Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has dismissed suggestions that he relied on a mysterious "juju cream" from a Nigerian witch doctor after former Leicester City teammate Jamie Vardy made the claim on his new podcast. Ndidi explained that the product was actually shea butter, a common natural substance from West Africa.
Vardy's Allegation on Podcast
Speaking on Jamie Vardy's Having A Party podcast, the former England striker recalled that Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho would briefly travel to Nigeria before returning with what they described as "juju cream." Vardy said: "They used to get injured, just little knocks, then they'd go back to Nigeria for one day literally, come back, and then they've got a nice big tub of juju cream. That was the only thing that the masseuses were allowed to massage on the injured areas. They used to tell us that they used to get it from a Nigerian witch doctor."
Ndidi's Response and Explanation
Ndidi posted a video on social media showing the cream and explained that it was simply shea butter, a natural product commonly used across West Africa for skincare and muscle relief. The Beşiktaş midfielder added that he and Iheanacho often joked with Vardy and other teammates by pretending the cream possessed special powers. According to Ndidi, they even encouraged the striker to try it, claiming it would help him score more goals, although Vardy always declined.
According to Healthline, shea butter, extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, is widely used in Nigeria as a moisturiser, massage balm and traditional remedy for sore muscles, making it a familiar household product rather than anything mystical.
Social Media Reaction
The remarks sparked widespread reactions online, with many fans debating whether the pair truly relied on traditional remedies. Ndidi's clarification has since set the record straight, emphasizing that no supernatural elements were involved.
Ndidi's Tribute to Ronaldo
Legit.ng previously reported that Ndidi publicly acknowledged Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal's journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended with a Round of 16 defeat to Spain. The Nigerian midfielder shared a brief message on his X account in honour of the Portuguese icon, joining football stars around the world in recognising Ronaldo's remarkable legacy despite the disappointing exit from the tournament.
