Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, widely known as Phyna, the winner of Big Brother Naija ‘Level Up’ Season 7, is publicly expressing her frustration over the delay in receiving her promised prizes, valued at over ₦100 million. Despite winning the reality show in 2022, Phyna has been embroiled in a protracted battle with the show’s sponsors to redeem all her winnings.
While several sponsors have eventually honored their commitments, Quidax Global, a cryptocurrency firm, remains a notable exception. The company has yet to deliver the promised 1 Bitcoin (BTC) to Phyna, a prize that has significantly appreciated in value since 2022.
Taking to Instagram Live on May 23, 2024, an emotional Phyna criticized MultiChoice Nigeria, the show’s organizers, for not ensuring the full delivery of her prizes. “Quickly give me the BTC the way you give me other things. What’s my business with Quidax? I don’t know Quidax. I didn’t sign a contract with Quidax. When I was going on the show, I didn’t know Quidax were part of the sponsors,” Phyna asserted.
Phyna emphasized that her contract was with MultiChoice Nigeria, not Quidax. She demanded that MultiChoice either pay her the equivalent value of the BTC or ensure that Quidax fulfills their obligation. She pointed out the significant increase in BTC’s value since 2022, exacerbating her frustration over the delayed payout.
This is not the first instance where Phyna has publicly called out the organizers. In April, she made similar complaints on Instagram, which led the Practitioners of Content Creating, Skit-making and Influencers Guild of Nigeria (PCCSIGN) to intervene. The PCCSIGN sent a formal letter to the organizers, demanding the fulfillment of all promised prizes, including the BTC from Quidax, a year’s supply of Pepsi products from Seven-Up Bottling Company, a trip for two to Dubai from Travelbeta, and a year’s supply of soap products from Evans Industries (Unik Soap).
While other sponsors have responded and delivered their promised prizes, Quidax Global remains the sole holdout. Phyna’s ongoing battle underscores the challenges faced by reality show winners in claiming their full rewards and the importance of accountability from show organizers and sponsors.
