Former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has revealed that Nigerian duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi swore by a traditional ointment they called “juju cream” during their injury recovery days at the club — and honestly, this is the most Nigerian thing we have heard all week.
If you grew up in Nigeria, you already know the power of that mysterious dark ointment your grandmother pulled out from under her bed whenever you twisted your ankle playing football in the compound. Well, it turns out our Super Eagles stars carried that same energy all the way to the English Premier League — and it apparently worked!
Former Leicester City and England striker Jamie Vardy has opened up about the time his Nigerian teammates, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, turned to a traditional ointment they fondly called “juju cream” to help them bounce back from physical injuries during their time together at Leicester City.
Vardy Spills the Tea
In what has now gone viral, Vardy recalled how the two Nigerian internationals would reach for their trusty traditional remedy whenever they were nursing injuries. While modern sports medicine, physiotherapy sessions, and ice baths are the standard tools of the trade in the Premier League, Iheanacho and Ndidi reportedly had a secret weapon straight from the motherland.
Vardy, clearly amused by the memory, spoke about it with warmth — suggesting that whatever was inside that cream, it seemed to do the job!
Naija to the Bone
This revelation has got many Nigerians smiling and nodding in recognition. Whether it is Aboniki balm*, **Jedi-Jedi mixture**, *ori (shea butter), or one of those unlabelled black concoctions your uncle swears by, Nigerians have always maintained a deep trust in traditional remedies — and we carry that culture with us wherever we go in the world.
The fact that two Super Eagles stars representing Nigeria on the biggest football stage in the world still held on to their roots? That is the kind of story that makes the chest swell with pride.
Iheanacho and Ndidi — Naija Warriors
Both Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi have had decorated careers at Leicester City. Ndidi, in particular, established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, while Iheanacho became a fan favourite with crucial goals at important moments — including that unforgettable FA Cup run in 2021.
To know that behind the scenes, they were rubbing “juju cream” and staying true to their Nigerian heritage? Priceless.
The Internet Reacts
As expected, Nigerians on social media have had a field day with this story. Many have been sharing their own family remedies and tagging friends with captions like “See, I told you it works!” Others are joking that the Premier League should officially license the cream before other players catch on.
One thing is clear — Nigerian culture is everywhere, and our athletes are proud ambassadors of it, on and off the pitch.
So next time you doubt the power of that old ointment sitting in your mama’s medicine cabinet, just remember: it helped two Super Eagles stars thrive in the Premier League. Juju cream — 1, Sports Science — well, they can share the credit.
What do you think about Iheanacho and Ndidi’s loyalty to traditional Nigerian remedies? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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