EXPLAINED What is fufu, the food behind Karim Adeyemi’s speedy legs?

The 21-year-old credited the intake of the popular African food as the secret behind his speed and pace.

Karim Adeyemi made headlines on Wednesday night for two reasons that were connected following Borussia Dortmund’s clash against Chelsea. 

Adeyemi had scored the only goal in the clash before his post-match comments caused excitement on social media, especially among Nigerians. 

The 21-year-old scored a brilliant solo goal which showed his incredible speed and intelligence to give Dortmund the advantage in their Champions League round of 16 tie against Graham Potter’s men. 

Adeyemi picked up the ball in his half before going on a solo run, easing past Enzo Fernandez and Kepa Arizabalaga to slot into an empty net. 

Following the game, Adeyemi made the headlines after crediting his intake of fufu for the goal he scored. 

“I eat a lot of African food but I have good genetics from my day, so I think it’s a little difficult for you to get,” Adeyemi told the CBS reporter who asked the question.

When pressed on which African food, Adeyemi said: “It’s called fufu from Nigeria and also very good.” 

What is fufu? 

Although Adeyemi claimed in his interview that the food is a Nigerian dish, it is not entirely true. While fufu is indeed popular in Nigeria, it is not associated with the country alone as it is a West African dish. 

The food is also popular in Ghana,  Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Angola and Gabon.

In fact, there are claims the food originated in Ghana and Ivory Coast. However, the beauty of the food is that each country has a different way of making it. 

What is fufu made of? 

As stated above, the ingredients, even though have the same origin, differ from country to country. 

In Nigeria, for example, fufu is made from fermented cassava, while in Ghana and Ivory Coast, it is made from plantain or cocoyam. 

How is it made? 

There are also different ways to make fufu. Some make it by stirring it in a big pot, while others pound it in a mortar.  But irrespective of any method adopted, the outcome is the same. 

What is the best way to eat fufu? 

The best way to eat fufu is with soup. There are different soups that go with fufu, but Egusi and vegetable soups are the most common. It can also be taken with okro, draw soup, Afang or Banga soup. 

Is it popular among Nigerian players? 

Yes, fufu and other swallows (solid foods) are eaten by many Nigerian stars. Aside from Adeyemi, Alex Iwobi has also been pictured eating the food. 

British-heavyweight boxer of Nigerian origin, Anthony Joshua, was also seen eating eba (garri), another form of Nigerian swallow. Meanwhile, amala, another form of a swallow, is one of Victor Osimhen’s favourite foods. 

Does fufu give you wings, as Adeyemi said? 

Not really. Fufu consists mainly of carbohydrates and water, so it is unlikely to give an athlete speedy legs. However, it is likely to give an athlete energy and endurance, given the nutrients in it. 

Nonetheless, it is nice to see Adeyemi put Nigerian food on the world map. Although he plays for Germany, Adeyemi has always embraced his Nigerian origin. 

The 21-year-old was born to a Nigerian father and was recently in his father’s home town, Ibadan, to watch a club named after him, Adeyemi FC. 

There were even suggestions could be the next heir to the throne of Alaafin of Oyo, although that has been disproved. 

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