Former Big Brother Naija winner Josephina Otabor, known as Phyna, has triggered reactions online after admitting that her views on marriage have changed as she approaches 30.
In a video shared on Tuesday, July 8, Phyna had confessed that she used to judge her aunties for remaining unmarried in their early 30s. She said she now understands their position after facing similar pressure herself.
She said: “I remember that time all those my aunties that were like in their early 30s that they are not married. I’d be like, ‘Auntie, you no go marry? Auntie, you no marry?’ Like then it was looking like the auntie get problem.”
She added: “I’m just thinking out loud. I remember when I was 22, 23 then, you know, 29 was so far away, but now this is 29 and everything is just dawning on me.”
Phyna concluded her message with a direct apology on behalf of her generation. She said: “Guys. Guys. We sef don dey touch am o. Auntie no get problem. I swear. Our aunties, they didn’t have problem. No single problem.”
Reactions split along gender lines
The video has drawn strong reactions on X, with many users tying Phyna’s comments to a common argument about women delaying marriage and rejecting suitors.
Some users defended her position and linked it to men’s behaviour in relationships. User @Intentional_IJ wrote: “A secure man doesn’t need to control, compete with, or diminish the woman beside him to feel like a man.”
Other reactions were less sympathetic. User @Ishaya_Jr4 wrote: “Women hit 30, suddenly realize family wasn’t holding them back from marriage. The mirror was the real problem all along. Enjoy the independent era while it lasts.”
User @fingerlyjay pushed back on Phyna directly, writing: “Don’t deceive yourself o, so you don’t know that your aunties had problem and even you too get problem the same problem that’s why. I have to tell you because you can’t see it.”
User @ChimedomC linked the discussion to a wider claim about career-focused women, writing that many regret prioritising career over marriage once they approach their mid-30s.
A few reactions were lighter in tone. User @Dark9nnt21 commented: “Tell her to text me I’m ready to marry her.” User @nwavearchive wrote: “Una plenty wey go die single.”
User @ekemini_oton spoke on the pressure young Nigerians face from social media, writing: “When life was sweet and simple, no data, no power bank, no oppression on social media.”
Phyna’s comments have struck a chord because they touch on a common experience among Nigerian women who face regular questions about marriage from relatives once they pass their mid-20s. Her admission that she once judged her aunties for the same thing has made the video relatable to many who see themselves in her earlier position.
Recently, Phyna disclosed her plans to have a baby and revealed she is ready to end her public disagreement with Afrobeats star Davido.
