Author: Nwachukwu Marisvega

Being a “side piece” usually comes with a certain level of secrecy and drama. But what happens when you willingly choose to play the role?

These Nigerians are currently living the reality. From the unexpected perks and complicated arrangements to catching feelings and knowing exactly where they stand, they share the honest, messy and sometimes hilarious stories behind choosing to be the other person

“He was married, but I liked him too much to care” — Seyi, 33, F

I met him at a work conference, and it was supposed to be a simple “hey, I’m in town” text, we meet up, have our fun, and keep it moving. However, it’s been everything but that. I like him more than I expected to, and I’ve stopped pretending it’s only physical. Yes, he’s married and has two kids, but I’m not delusional enough to think he’s leaving his family for me. 

I’ve actually reminded him to call family when he’s with me.  But that doesn’t mean  I intend to walk away. He isn’t asking me to be his second wife, and I’m not asking him to be my husband. We like each other and our current arrangement works.

“I’m his only side piece” — Kay, 30, M

 I don’t care about my partner’s married life; that’s his business. I only have one rule: the same way he has one wife, he gets one side piece, and that’s me. I’ve grown real feelings for him. We’ve been together for 22 months and complement each other ridiculously well. At this point, we practically live together. I’m not here to tear his family apart, and I’ve never asked him to choose. I’m just here because whatever this is works. 

“I’m cheating on a man who is cheating on his wife” — Mide, 26, F

I met this man at the mall. Handsome, tall, charming, the whole package. I genuinely didn’t know he was married at first, but eventually I started to suspect something. I confronted him, he confessed, and we moved past it.  We’ve had a great run so far, but his audacity baffles me. He gets angry when he finds out I’m talking to other men and insists it’s cheating. Like, sir, what exactly are we doing? You’re married, so whatever we have can never be permanent. Yet whenever I bring up his wife, it suddenly doesn’t count. 

“I was sex-starved” — T. J, 29, M 

I didn’t plan for it to happen, but I ended up with a married man because I was sex-starved and he was the only available option. I genuinely don’t know what I was thinking, but at the time, I didn’t care. As long as I got my orgasm, everybody could go home happy. Whenever he came to town, he’d send one text, and I’d practically be on my way.

It was only after I started exploring with other people that I realised it was a weird arrangement. I barely gained anything. He had money but was tightfisted.  The last time he sent an “I’m in town” text, I simply replied, “Wetin con happen?” He eventually got the message, and we went our separate ways.

“He offered to take care of me, so I named my price” —  Jo, 26,F

I became a side piece when school started swallowing me alive. My parents were struggling, and I couldn’t juggle work and school anymore. The “uncles” I thought would help were unreliable, and every offer of help attached sex as a condition. Then, one day, I met a man at a cyber cafe while making photocopies. 

He made small talk and asked for my number, but initially I refused. We met again later, and this time, I gave it to him. He started with sweet nothings, so I asked, “Are you married?” Then he went silent, and that was my answer. He offered to take care of me if I agreed to be with him, and I also gave him my conditions. He’s kept his word so far. The sex is good, he gives me everything I need, and I know my place.

“I became a side piece and somehow got a referral” — Ramon, 30, M 

I’d never been a side piece until I met a woman during COVID. I’d only seen women stop men in movies, so when it happened to me, my heart was racing. She rolled down her car window, asked my name and number, and that was that. Before we even got intimate, she had already started spoiling me. Nigeria is hard, so obviously, I gave in. Plus, she’s a MILF;  double blessing.  

When she was leaving the country, I worried that whatever we had would end. Instead, she introduced me to her friend. One woman became two, and suddenly, I had no reason to complain. Let me just say, life is good when women spend on you.

“I liked him even as a four-minute man” — Alex,24, F

My friend introduced me to his cousin, and we started talking. I was single and didn’t mind giving it a chance. The chemistry was great and we spent a lot of time together. Unfortunately, he couldn’t last long in bed.  He blamed it on sugar, but I wasn’t bothered because I liked him. After some time, I noticed he’d always take off immediately after we had sex. He barely waited for aftercare or tried to ask if I enjoyed myself.  I started digging and found out he had a girlfriend. I still stayed because apparently, I had accepted my position as a side piece to a four-minute man.

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