NBA Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Says Fufu and Egusi Soup Is His Top Nigerian Meal

• NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo has named fufu and egusi soup as his favourite Nigerian meal
• The basketball star joins football players like Karim Adeyemi and Alexander Isak, who have picked fufu as their top dish too

NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo has set social media abuzz after naming fufu and egusi soup as his favourite Nigerian meal.

The Milwaukee Bucks forward made the revelation during a light-hearted Q&A session with fans online, where he proudly embraced his Nigerian roots and culinary heritage.

Known for his commanding presence on the court, Giannis reminded fans that he still connects deeply with his roots off the hardwood.

The statement quickly resonated with fans both in Nigeria and across the diaspora, sparking a wave of excitement and cultural pride online.

A taste of culture beyond basketball

Born to Nigerian parents in Greece, Giannis has always acknowledged his African heritage, but this time, it was through food that he made headlines.

When asked about his favourite Nigerian meal on X, he responded with, “Fufu with egusi soup.”

The answer struck a chord. Egusi soup, a popular West African dish made with ground melon seeds, leafy greens, and meat or fish, paired with fufu, a dough-like staple, forms a combo many Nigerians swear by.

For Giannis, it’s not just about taste, but tradition.

Nigerian fans celebrate with reactions

The revelation sparked a flurry of social media reactions.

“You can not eat that food and not become a world champion,” wrote one fan.

“If you eat Nigerian food and drink Nigerian water, you can become a leader in your field. The current Pope ate and drank Nigerian water, Nelson Mandela ate and drank Nigerian water, and many others like Giannis,” @kim1ofAfrica tweeted.

“I know a great spot in Oakland for fufu, come to Golden State!!!! The Freak & the Chef,” @matt_hsueh tweeted.

“No wonder you just dey use body and power intimidate those guys,” another fan tweeted.

Others flooded platforms like X with memes, recipes, and pictures of their own homemade dishes.

Karim Adeyemi and Isak like Nigerian meals too

Giannis reinforces the love for Nigerian cuisine just as football stars Germany's Karim Adeyemi and Sweden's Alexander Isak has declared, expanding a trend for the African heritage.

As Nigerian cuisine continues to gain international love, moments like this remind the world that African culture has a place not just on plates, but in hearts everywhere.

Isak and Willock try oha soup and fufu

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Newcastle United’s dynamic duo, Alexander Isak and Joe Willock, recently swapped their football boots for bowls as they tasted a slice of Nigerian culture.

Courtesy of their Newcastle teammate William Osula, the pair were treated to a homemade plate of Oha soup and fufu, a beloved Nigerian delicacy known for its rich flavour and hearty feel.

Osula, who proudly embraces his Nigerian roots, invited Isak and Willock over for a traditional meal, and the results were golden, not just the soup, but their reactions too.

Source: Legit.ng