Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna, says she regrets using most of her N100 million prize money to support family members rather than investing it.
Speaking during a recent livestream on May 23, 2026, the reality star reflected on how she managed her winnings from the 2022 edition of the show and why she now turns down most financial requests from relatives.
‘I spent generously on family, got no financial advice’
Phyna said one of her biggest mistakes after winning BBNaija was putting family responsibilities first and neglecting long-term wealth planning.
“The mistake I made was using my Big Brother Naija prize money to support family members instead of investing it,” she said.thought I was helping my family members and sorting out their debts. I was spending generously on them. None of the older family members called me to give me financial advice on how to invest or manage the money well.”
The Edo-born star added that instead of guidance on preserving her earnings, she faced a constant stream of requests. “All of them were constantly demanding money from me for several stuff. I dug a lot of boreholes for family members,” she revealed
Phyna won the 2022 BBNaija season after beating other finalists to the grand prize valued at N100 million. The package included N50 million in cash, with the remainder made up of sponsored gifts and rewards.
For many reality show winners, the cash component is often the only liquid part of the prize, while sponsored items like cars, appliances, and trips cannot be easily converted to cash without selling them.
According to Phyna, the dynamic changed once her finances tightened and she started declining requests.but the moment I started saying ‘No’ that was the beginning of my problem with family members,” she said.They complain and even call me out in the media whenever I can’t meet their demands. But now that the money has finished, I’m the only one facing the reality alone.”
She said tensions within the family grew, with some relatives allegedly turning against her and criticising her publicly when she could not meet their expectations.
Phyna’s experience mirrors a pattern many sudden wealth recipients face: pressure from extended family to “share,” limited financial literacy, and little structure for investment. Without a budget, investment plan, or trusted adviser, large sums can disappear quickly on debts, projects, and recurring support.
The boreholes she mentioned, for example, are major capital projects that provide community value but do not generate income to replace the spent cash. Medical bills, school fees, rent support, and business “seed money” requests can also add up rapidly when there is no clear boundary.
- Separate ‘help’ from ‘investment’: Budget a fixed amount for family support, and treat the rest as capital to be protected.
- Get professional advice early: A qualified financial planner can help structure investments, taxes, and an emergency fund before spending starts
- Communicate limits clearly: Stating what you can and cannot do reduces repeated requests and conflict.
- Document and prioritize: Focus on high-impact needs first, and avoid funding multiple large projects at once without returns.
- Beyond the money, Phyna described feeling isolated once the funds were gone. “I’m the only one facing the reality alone,” she said.
That emotional toll is common when family relationships become transactional. Public criticism can also add pressure, especially for public figures whose personal finances are debated online. Accountant, lawyer, and financial adviser can create guardrails and handle requests professionally.
- Invest before you spend: Automate transfers to diversified investments so the money is working before it can be spent since BBNaija, Phyna has remained active in entertainment, brand deals, and media appearances. She has not disclosed her current financial plan, but her public reflection suggests a shift toward protecting her earnings and setting boundaries.
For fans, her candor highlights a reality behind the glamour of reality TV prizes: a large headline figure does not guarantee long-term financial security without strategy.All of them were constantly demanding money from me for several stuff.”
- On the fallout: “But the moment I started saying ‘No’ that was the beginning of my problem with family members… But now that the money has finished, I’m the only one facing the reality alone.”
Phyna’s story is a reminder that winning money is only the first step. Keeping it, growing it, and protecting your peace often requires saying no — even to family.
