Love, Loss, And New Beginnings: Chidi’s Emotional Journey On ‘Before The 90 Days’
The gripping premiere of 90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days Season 7 has captivated audiences by introducing deeply personal stories that transcend borders and challenges. One of the most touching narratives centers on Chidi, a 33-year-old man from Lagos, Nigeria, whose blindness has a heartbreaking origin story—and whose courage and quest for love offer inspiration well beyond reality TV drama.
Fans first meet Chidi and Rayne, his girlfriend of five years from New Mexico, who is preparing for a life-changing trip to Nigeria to finally meet her partner face to face. Their relationship, cultivated online, is complicated by cultural differences, past disagreements, and of course, Chidi’s disability, which is both a source of struggle and profound resilience.
In a candid moment during the premiere, Chidi shared how a seemingly innocuous childhood accident catastrophically altered his life. "I wasn’t born this way," Chidi revealed. At age 17, while at school, he was struck in the right eye by a falling apple, dropped accidentally by a friend climbing a tree. What followed was a gradual and terrifying decline in his vision, compounded when a subsequent fall caused him to injure his left eye severely, leading to complete blindness.
Emotionally recounting the trauma, Chidi remembered, "It seemed as if the whole world had come to an end." Still, he exhibits remarkable spirit. Despite only perceiving a "thick cloud" before his face interspersed with "spark[s] of different colors of light," Chidi says the "symphony of sounds" keeps him connected to the world around him, helping him vividly imagine his environment.
Rayne’s perspective adds another layer of complexity to their story. A chicken farmer who admits to being "very self-conscious" about her looks, she surprisingly finds Chidi’s inability to see her "a huge turn on," highlighting both vulnerability and hope in her search for unconditional acceptance. Their long-distance romance, sustained despite physical limitations, raises compelling questions about appearance, trust, and intimacy.
Yet beneath the sweet anticipation, trouble brews. Chidi openly voiced concerns about Rayne’s temperament, referring to past "quarrels and fights" that make him "deeply nervous" about their imminent meeting. The preview teases an emotional confrontation over Chidi’s decision to not share a room with Rayne during her visit—an issue that could either fracture their bond or deepen it, depending on how they navigate this delicate cultural and personal boundary.
This premiere episode powerfully blends emotional vulnerability with cultural nuance. It invites viewers to ponder not just the drama of romance against all odds, but also the powerful resilience in the face of devastating loss—and the courage to love with open hearts, even when life appears darkest.
As this season of Before The 90 Days unfolds, audiences can expect a deeply human exploration that transcends disability or distance. Will love prevail, or will hidden fears and past pain unravel it all?
What do you think about Chidi and Rayne’s complex love story? Share your thoughts about their journey and discuss how setbacks can be transformed into strength. Don’t forget to comment and join the conversation every Sunday on TLC.
