7 big winners of the year in Nigeria

While some battled with forces beyond them and stood out gallantly, others continued from where they stopped in 2016.

Here are seven biggest winners in the years 2017:

1. Davido

After a lacklustre 2016 by his standards, Davido bounced back in menacing form with the release of the hard-to-miss single ‘If’, the adequate follow-up ‘Fall’, and the instant hit ‘Fia’.

Despite personal tragedies (the loss of his uncle, and the death of his friend DJ Olu) and controversy (the mysterious death of his friend Tagbo) Davido brushed all these aside to regain his top spot in the Nigerian music scene.

2. Super Eagles

When the Super Eagles of Nigeria was grouped alongside the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the reigning African champions, Algeria who was the number one ranked team in Africa and Zambia in the 2018 World Cup qualification rounds, many Nigerians did not give them a shred of hope.

Many wrote off the chances of the Gernort Rhor's team especially as the group was seen as the group of death. Others wondered where Nigeria will get the players to prosecute the matches while others feared Nigeria will be roundly disgraced by the other teams.

But not only did the Super Eagles come out in flying colours by qualifying before the end of the qualifying rounds. With a good looking squad, there are high hopes for the Super Eagles at the World Cup.

3. Daddy Freeze

Cool FM On-Air Personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, has always been a controversial figure who has never shied away from saying his mind no matter whose ox is gored.

But in 2017, Daddy Freeze became, perhaps, one of the most popular figures in the country when he formed the movement called #FreeTheSheeple Movement, a platform he has used to campaign against men of God who collect tithes and offerings which, according to him, they use to buy private jets and live flamboyant lifestyles.

Daddy Freeze, unlike many, mention and called out top pastors. The responses from these men of God showed that the OAP struck a deep nerve.

He made tithing a big issue in 2017 and increased his influence and reach online.

4. Wizkid

With the kind of 2016 had, it would have been okay for him to chill in 2017. Wizkid did not. He continued his fine form by hooking up with Drake again on his single ‘Come Closer’. He got nominated for the Grammys and he released his international body of work ‘Sounds From The Other Side’.

His victory at the MOBOs saw President Buhari, Vice-President Osinbajo and former VP Atiku Abubakar congratulate him. Let’s not forget he shut it down at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

5. Banky W

When the first movie you acted in becomes the biggest Nollywood movie at the box office, you know you are a winner. This was Banky W’s story in 2017. His acting debut was a phenomenal success. The only thing bigger than his role The Wedding Party was his surprise engagement to Adesua Etomi which broke the Internet.

After beating skin cancer for the third time, Banky W reprised his role in the sequel of The Wedding Party.

6. Adebola Williams

The co-founder of Red Africa had a big year. He released a book titled ‘How to win elections in Africa’ based on his successes of helping three African politicians become presidents.

His biggest achievement so far this year was the standing ovation he got at The Obama Foundation Summit. After delivering a marvellous speech, the entire room stood up and applauded him including former President Barack Obama.

7. Anthony Joshua

The Nigerian-British boxer flew into world prominence this year after he defeated Wladimir Klitschko in a bout to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Klitschko retired after his fight with Joshua.

Anthony Joshua was denied representing Nigeria at the last Olympics defended his title successfully in October against Carlos Takam. He is one of the biggest winners of 2017.