Wilfred Ndidi dismisses ‘juju cream’ rumours, says it was shea butter

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has dismissed viral claims that he and fellow Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho relied on a mysterious “juju cream” from a “Nigerian witch doctor” to recover from injuries during their time at Leicester City, clarifying that the ointment was nothing more than locally sourced shea butter.

The clarification follows comments made by former Leicester City captain Jamie Vardy, who recently recalled that whenever Ndidi or Iheanacho sustained injuries, they would travel to Nigeria and return with what he jokingly described as “a nice big tub of juju cream.”

According to Vardy, the Nigerian duo instructed the club’s physiotherapist and massage staff to apply only the ointment to the injured area during treatment. He added that whenever teammates asked where the cream came from, Ndidi and Iheanacho would jokingly reply that it had been obtained from a “Nigerian witch doctor.”

The remarks quickly went viral across social media, sparking mixed reactions from football fans. While many interpreted the comments as dressing-room humour, others questioned whether the players had relied on traditional or mystical remedies during their recovery.

The discussion gathered further momentum after former Super Eagles striker Victor Anichebe tagged both Ndidi and Iheanacho on Instagram, asking them to explain the type of cream Vardy had been referring to.

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Responding to Anichebe, Ndidi dismissed the speculation and clarified that the ointment was simply shea butter sourced from Nigeria, stressing that it had no connection with magic, rituals or any form of traditional spiritual practice.

His explanation effectively put an end to the rumours surrounding the viral story, with many supporters describing the controversy as a misunderstanding of light-hearted dressing-room banter.

Shea butter, extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, is widely used across Nigeria and many other African countries as a natural skincare product. It is valued for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly applied to soothe dry skin, minor bruises and muscle discomfort.

Although shea butter is not recognised as a medical treatment for sports injuries, athletes around the world often use natural oils, balms and massage creams alongside physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes to aid recovery and relieve muscle soreness.

Ndidi, Iheanacho and Vardy shared the dressing room at Leicester City between 2017 and 2024, enjoying one of the club’s most successful periods in modern history.

During their time together, the Foxes won the 2021 FA Cup, defeating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley to secure the club’s first-ever FA Cup title. They also lifted the 2021 FA Community Shield after overcoming Manchester City.

The trio became known not only for their performances on the pitch but also for their close friendship and humorous interactions off it, frequently entertaining supporters through behind-the-scenes videos and dressing-room moments.

Ndidi’s clarification has since been welcomed by many football fans, who described the incident as an example of how casual jokes can be taken out of context and amplified on social media.

The episode has also sparked broader conversations about cultural stereotypes in football, with some supporters urging greater sensitivity when discussing traditional African products that are widely used for skincare and wellness rather than supernatural purposes.

With his explanation, Ndidi has firmly dispelled the speculation, confirming that the much-talked-about ointment was simply shea butter and not the “juju cream” portrayed in the viral story.

Wilfred Ndidi dismisses ‘juju cream’ rumours, says it was shea butter

Messi magic crushes England as Argentina stage dramatic comeback to reach World Cup final

• Martinez’s stoppage-time winner sends Argentina into final after England collapse

England’s dream of ending a 60-year wait for a World Cup final appearance was shattered in agonising fashion on Wednesday as Lionel Messi orchestrated a sensational late comeback that propelled defending champions Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 victory and a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.

With the Three Lions appearing destined for a famous triumph after Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute opener, Argentina produced a breathtaking finale, striking twice in the closing seven minutes. Enzo Fernandez restored parity in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed home Messi’s pinpoint cross in stoppage time, silencing the 68,239 spectators at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and leaving England devastated.

For much of the contest, Thomas Tuchel’s men frustrated the South Americans with disciplined pressing and defensive organisation. Gordon’s clinical finish early in the second half seemed to reward England’s impressive display, but the decision to retreat and protect the slender lead proved costly as Argentina tightened their grip on possession and relentlessly piled on the pressure.

Messi, who had been relatively subdued for long spells, came alive when it mattered most. Operating from the right flank in the closing stages, the 39-year-old maestro unlocked England’s defence with two decisive assists to send Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will face European champions Spain in New Jersey.

The victory further enriched Messi’s extraordinary World Cup legacy. Four years after lifting the trophy in Qatar, the Argentine captain is now on course to win a second straight title, having already amassed eight goals and four assists at the 2026 tournament.

England captain Harry Kane admitted his side paid the price for abandoning their attacking approach after taking the lead.

“I’m gutted for the boys, the staff and the fans,” Kane said. “We played well for most of the game, but once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on. At this level, that’s simply not enough.”

Kane insisted Tuchel’s instructions were to continue attacking, but England gradually surrendered territory as Argentina dominated possession.

“We struggled to get pressure on the ball after the goal,” he said. “In the first half and early in the second we pressed them really well and controlled the game. But afterwards it became wave after wave of attacks, and eventually they found a way through.”

Despite the painful defeat, Kane urged his teammates to draw confidence from another deep run at a major tournament.

“We’ve had a lot of good moments in this tournament and reached another semi-final. It feels like we’re always knocking on the door. We’re close, but we still need to find that missing piece.”

Messi’s influence in the closing stages underlined why he remains one of football’s greatest match-winners. The Argentine icon completed nine successful dribbles, created four chances, delivered nine crosses and registered both assists. Remarkably, he matched England’s entire team for touches inside the opposition penalty area.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hailed his captain’s enduring brilliance.

“He’s the best player in history,” Scaloni said. “I don’t know what else he has to do to prove it.”

Former England defender Micah Richards echoed that sentiment, saying: “They have Lionel Messi. They have the greatest of all time. These are the moments that define legends.”

For England, another promising World Cup campaign ended in bitter disappointment. For Messi and Argentina, however, the quest for back-to-back world titles remains alive, with only Spain now standing between the Albiceleste and another date with football immortality.

Messi inspires Argentina to dramatic victory over England, sets up Spain final

Defending champions Argentina produced a sensational late comeback to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday night, booking their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.

The reigning world champions looked destined for elimination after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead early in the second half. The Three Lions appeared on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, but Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains one of football’s greatest players.

England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Gordon capitalised on a swift attacking move to put Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead. The goal handed England the advantage and left Argentina chasing the game with time running out.

As the pressure mounted, Lionel Messi took control of the contest. The 39-year-old captain orchestrated Argentina’s comeback with two moments of brilliance in the closing stages.

Messi first delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Enzo Fernandez, who fired a powerful shot beyond England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 85th minute to restore parity.

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With the match heading towards extra time, Argentina struck again in dramatic fashion. Deep into stoppage time, Messi floated a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Lautaro Martinez rose above England’s defence to head home the winning goal and send Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final.

Although Messi did not score, he produced a match-winning display by providing both assists and dictating Argentina’s attacking play throughout the encounter. His latest performance further strengthened his remarkable World Cup legacy as he continues to inspire the South American giants in pursuit of back-to-back world titles.

The victory also highlights the resilience of Lionel Scaloni’s side, who have repeatedly fought back from difficult situations during the tournament. Argentina have now reached consecutive World Cup finals and remain on course to successfully defend the trophy they lifted in Qatar in 2022.

For England, the heartbreaking defeat extends the nation’s 60-year wait for a second FIFA World Cup title. Thomas Tuchel’s men came within minutes of ending that long drought before Argentina’s late turnaround shattered their hopes.

England will now face France in Saturday’s third-place playoff after Didier Deschamps’ side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the other semi-final.

Attention now shifts to Sunday’s highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Lionel Messi’s Argentina will battle Lamine Yamal-led Spain for football’s biggest prize. Argentina will be aiming to retain their world crown, while Spain seek to become world champions for the first time since their historic triumph in 2010.

With Messi chasing another unforgettable chapter in his illustrious career and Spain eager to usher in a new era under their exciting young stars, the final promises to be one of the biggest spectacles in World Cup history.

Messi inspires Argentina to dramatic victory over England, sets up Spain final