In a dramatic turn of events that has reignited a long-standing controversy, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7 popularly known as Phyna, has publicly declared that she is still awaiting the full payment of her grand prize, three years after her victory.
An Emotional Plea for Payment
Phyna broke her silence in a now-viral video posted online, where she emotionally stated that the show's organisers have failed to deliver the complete ₦100 million prize package promised to her upon winning the reality TV competition in 2022. The reality star explained that her decision to speak out again was fueled by years of frustrating delays and public skepticism about her initial claims.
"When I came online, people didn’t believe me. BBNaija still hasn’t given me the ₦100 million I won," Phyna lamented in the video. She expressed feeling betrayed by the very platform that catapulted her to fame, noting that the non-payment has adversely impacted both her personal life and her career trajectory.
The Contentious Prize Breakdown
The heart of the dispute extends beyond the cash component. A significant point of contention is the 1 Bitcoin pledged by a show sponsor, Quidax Global. Since her win in 2022, the value of Bitcoin has skyrocketed, with the single coin now valued at over ₦100 million alone. Phyna maintains that this valuable asset, along with other promised benefits, remains undelivered.
These outstanding benefits reportedly include:
- Cash equivalents making up the rest of the ₦100 million total.
- A trip for two to a luxurious destination.
- Product supplies from various show sponsors.
Phyna has repeatedly pointed fingers at Multichoice Nigeria, the organisers of the Big Brother Naija franchise, accusing them of withholding these portions of her prize. This latest outcry adds to a series of complaints she has voiced over the years regarding the incomplete prize package.
Mixed Reactions and Divided Public Opinion
The revelation has sparked a firestorm of reactions across Nigerian social media, with netizens sharply divided on the issue.
Some fans have rallied behind Phyna, demanding transparency and accountability from Multichoice. One user, @rx_eni, advised legal action, commenting, "Sue the franchise… get a whole lot more than you won; funny thing is because they are global, you might be able to get international legal support." Another user, @itz_suredaddy_official, called for an investigation, stating, "If she wasn't paid then BBnaija needs to be investigated."
However, others have questioned Phyna's credibility and timing. Some critics wonder why she appears to be the only past winner consistently raising such issues. User @itz.diamond.96 asked, "Since which season na only you dey give us this story out of people wey don win bbn o?" Another comment from @edensvacation suggested she might be "chasing clout," implying the outcry is a strategy for online relevance.
This public skepticism is something Phyna directly addressed, stating that the disbelief from the public has compounded her frustration as much as the actual delay in payment.
Multichoice's Stance and a History of Assurance
Multichoice Nigeria has previously maintained that it has fulfilled all its obligations to the Season 7 winner. The company's stance has been that prizes were duly awarded. Despite these assurances, Phyna continues to insist otherwise, claiming the lack of full payment has left her with no choice but to take her grievances public once more.
The situation puts a spotlight on the accountability of reality TV show organisers and the long-term fulfillment of extravagant prize promises to winners, whose fame often hinges on these life-changing rewards.
This ongoing saga between Phyna and Multichoice continues to unfold, raising critical questions about contract fulfillment in Nigeria's burgeoning entertainment industry.
