Big Brother Naija Level Up winner Phyna has stirred fresh conversations online after openly expressing her frustration with the societal challenges faced by women in Nigeria compared to men. The reality star, whose real name is Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, made the candid revelation while reflecting on gender expectations and the pressure placed on women pursuing success.
In a clip from her livestream, she’s seen saying:
“I lowkey wish I was a guy… Life is much easier for men cause it’s certain you have to work hard to make money, but for girls, we’ve been stigmatized and there are so many rules & regulations against us, like a woman is not supposed to dream big and all that so I feel like I just want to be a man.”
The 28-year-old entertainer, who hails from Edo State and rose to fame after winning BBNaija Season 7 in 2022, is known for her bold personality and unfiltered opinions. Before entering the Big Brother house, she worked as a commercial model, hype woman, content creator, and actress.
Phyna’s comments have sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms. While some women agreed with her views on the extra societal scrutiny and restrictions placed on ambitious females, others criticized her for downplaying the pressures men face or suggested she was overlooking her own achievements as a successful young woman in the entertainment industry.
The former housemate has continued to build her brand post-BBNaija through business ventures and entertainment projects and has often spoken about her journey, confidence, and the challenges of navigating public life and relationships as a high-profile female star.
As the clip from her statement continues to circulate, many fans and observers are weighing in on whether Phyna’s wish reflects deeper systemic issues or personal experiences shaped by her time in the spotlight.