Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna has shared a painful truth about her past and why she dislikes the name she was given at birth.
In a recent interview, the outspoken reality star revealed that her real name is Blessing, but growing up, the word never matched the life she experienced.
Phyna said her childhood was filled with emotional struggles and rejection, making it difficult for her to see any “blessing” in the name her parents gave her.
Key Highlights
- Phyna revealed her birth name is Blessing, but she grew to hate it due to her difficult childhood.
- The BBNaija star said she often felt she was begging for love from family, friends, and relationships.
- Despite the struggles, she once told relatives they would one day watch her on television — a dream that later came true.
Phyna Reveals Why She Hates Her Birth Name
Reality TV star Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has opened up about the emotional weight attached to her birth name.
Speaking about her upbringing, she said the name Blessing never felt connected to the reality of her life.
The name given to me by my parents is Blessing. My reason for hating that name was that I don’t see a sense of blessing in my life,
she explained.
According to the BBNaija winner, her childhood was filled with emotional hardship and rejection, which created a disconnect between her name and her experiences.
She said the word “Blessing” sounded hopeful, but her reality growing up felt very different.
“I Felt Like I Was Always Begging for Love”
Phyna described her early life as extremely challenging, saying she constantly searched for acceptance from people around her.
From family members to friendships and even romantic relationships, she said she often felt like she had to fight for affection.
It felt like I was always begging for love, family love, friendship, even in relationships,
she said.
She also revealed that during disagreements, some people used her birth name sarcastically, which made her dislike it even more.
According to her, the teenage years were especially difficult because she lacked the support systems many young people receive from their families.
As a teenager, there are things you could get from parents and family, but I didn’t have that,
she said.
A Childhood Prediction That Came True
Despite the struggles, Phyna said she always believed she would eventually rise above her situation.
She recalled telling some of her relatives during difficult moments that they would one day see her on television.
That prediction eventually became reality when she entered the Big Brother Naija Season 7 “Level Up” edition in 2022.
On October 2, 2022, she was crowned the winner after securing 40.74% of the final votes, beating runner-up Bryann and walking away with the ₦100 million grand prize.
Her victory made her the second female winner of the show, following Mercy Eke’s win three years earlier.
Why She Chose the Name “Phyna”
Phyna explained that adopting her stage name became a way to distance herself from painful memories tied to her past.
The name helped her build a new identity, one that reflected strength, resilience, and self-confidence.
Since winning the show, the reality star has built a strong brand for herself through endorsement deals, media appearances, and a growing career in Nollywood.
However, her recent remarks suggest that the emotional scars from her early life are still part of her story.
Many fans have responded to her revelation with messages of encouragement, reminding her that her success today reflects the “blessing” she once felt she never had.
Phyna Biography
| Full Name | Ijeoma Josephina Otabor |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Phyna |
| Date of Birth | 2 June 1997 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Edo State |
| Profession | Actress, Model, Reality TV Star |
| Education | Auchi Polytechnic |
| Known For | Winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7 (Level Up) |
Early Life
Phyna was born on June 2, 1997, and grew up in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria.
During her time on Big Brother Naija, she revealed that although she identifies as Igbo by tribe, she was raised in the Ekpon community in Edo State.
She completed her primary and secondary education in Auchi and later studied Engineering at Auchi Polytechnic.
Career Journey
Before becoming a household name, Phyna started out as a commercial model while still in school.
Her modeling career helped her gain confidence and visibility before she entered the reality television space.
Her breakthrough moment came in 2022 when she joined Big Brother Naija Season 7 as the tenth housemate.
Her outspoken personality and authenticity quickly made her a fan favorite.
Brand Endorsements
Phyna has secured several endorsement deals with Nigerian brands, including:
- Firegin
- Spedy Herbals
- Rixari Skin Secrets
- BeUnique Wears
- Spedy Weightloss
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Big Brother Naija 7 | Contestant | Reality TV Show |
| 2023 | Leaving Beauty | Mabel | Produced by Mike Ezuruonye |
| 2023 | Shattered Innocence | Theresa | Produced by Abdulgafar Ahmad Oluwatoyin |
| 2023 | Osato | Osato | Produced by Charles Uwagbai & Etinosa Idemudia |
| 2023 | Ada Omo Daddy | — | Produced by Mercy Aigbe |
| 2024 | House of Trouble | — | Produced by Mercy Johnson |
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Event | Prize | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | All Varieties Award | People’s Choice of the Year | Won |
| 2022 | Africa Choice Awards | Honorary Award of Excellence | Won |
| 2023 | Trendupp Awards | Force of Online Sensation | Won |
| 2023 | La Mode Awards | Celebrity of the Year (Female) | Won |
| 2023 | Man on Cheq | Most Outspoken Female Celebrity | Won |
| 2023 | Edo State International Film Festival | Best Actress – Osato | Won |
Watch: Phyna Speaks About Her Childhood
Phyna: The name given to me by my parents is Blessing, the reason for me h@ting that name was because I don't see any sense of blessing in my life.
— Calissi✨🤍 (@calisssii) March 6, 2026
It felt like I was always begging for love, family love, friendship even in relationships.
🥺
🎥 BEYONDWITHEZINNE pic.twitter.com/Hkky4fgRn1
Phyna’s story highlights the emotional struggles many young people face while growing up without strong support systems.
Her journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a national celebrity shows how resilience can transform personal pain into success.
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Phyna’s candid revelation has sparked conversations among fans about childhood trauma, identity, and personal growth.
While she once rejected the name “Blessing,” many supporters believe her journey proves that the name may have been prophetic after all.
Do you think Phyna’s success today changes the meaning of her birth name? Share your thoughts in the comments.
