Phyna, winner of the Level Up season of Big Brother Naija, has opened up about the painful experiences she faced while growing up.

In a recent interview, the reality TV star shared that her birth name is Blessing. However, she said she has grown to dislike the name because it does not reflect what she went through as a child.

According to Phyna, the meaning of the name feels far from the reality she experienced during her early years. She explained that her childhood was filled with emotional struggles and moments where she felt unloved.

While speaking about her past, she said she often found herself searching for acceptance from people around her. This included family members, friends, and romantic partners. Many of those experiences, she said, ended with rejection and harsh words.

“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. It felt like I was always begging for love – family love, friendship, even in relationships. Even, in fact, dem don use am curse me.”

Phyna also described her upbringing as very difficult. She said there were many things teenagers usually receive from their parents and relatives that she never had.

“All aspects of growing up for me were very cràzy. As a teenager, there are things you could get from parents and family, but I didn’t have that. I knew for one that I was going to be big. Growing up, I would always tell my aunts, even when they beat or maltreated me, that I would tell them they would watch me on Television and I would have money”, she said.

Despite the pain she experienced, Phyna said she always believed her life would change. She shared that even as a child, she was confident she would one day become successful and well known.

That belief, she explained, kept her moving forward during some of her hardest moments.

Phyna’s story highlights the emotional struggles she faced while growing up and the strength she used to push through them. Today, the reality star is widely known across Nigeria following her victory on Big Brother Naija. Her journey shows how determination and belief can help someone rise beyond difficult beginnings.