By Emmy Tundez
Former Big Brother Naija winner, Josephina Otabor, better known as Phyna, became emotional during a viral TikTok live session as she opened up about her financial struggles and family challenges after winning the reality show.
The reality TV star tearfully revealed that she exhausted much of her BBNaija prize money helping relatives and solving family problems. According to her, many family members only valued her for what they could gain financially, and tensions began once she started refusing certain requests.
Phyna explained that after leaving the Big Brother house, no one guided her on how to properly manage or invest her winnings. Instead, she focused on supporting relatives facing hardship, drilling boreholes for family members, and providing financial assistance whenever she was called upon.
Reflecting on the experience, she said she believed the money would never run out until she eventually became financially strained.
She also accused her father of publicly speaking against her after disagreements over financial matters, including a dispute about the type of roofing materials she was willing to purchase for him.
Despite her efforts, Phyna said she often felt unappreciated by the very people she sacrificed for.
“When I came out of the Big Brother house, everybody celebrated with me, but nobody taught me how to grow the money. I kept giving and helping until the money finished,” she said during the emotional livestream.
Her breakdown came shortly after she addressed criticism over a viral video showing her working as a waiter at a restaurant. Responding to claims that she had become broke, Phyna defended honest labour and questioned why service jobs are often looked down on in Nigeria.
“What is wrong if I am working as a waiter or salesgirl?” she asked. “People respect these jobs abroad, but in Nigeria, they use them to mock others.”
Phyna maintained that there is dignity in earning a living through legitimate work, regardless of public opinion.
