A career in sports can take one to unimaginable heights, but at the same time, it can take away everything from some. Such has been the story of the former tennis player, Tanya Okpala. Once a pro athlete, Okpala has been struggling a lot in life and is homeless. It is sad to see someone being reduced to such a state, especially after toiling it hard in the sporting world. But what led her to such a poor condition?

As her state deteriorated, Okpala roamed around the streets of Awka, Anambra State capital. Subsequently, she was rescued by Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State who ordered her rehabilitation. Let’s dig deep into what she said about her sudden downfall.

Tanya Okpala narrates gut-wrenching scenes

The incident came to light after Okpala was spotted roaming the streets in a viral video after which the governor intervened to rescue the ex-lawn tennis star. Along with being homeless, the situation had taken a toll on her mental health as well.

After her situation came to light, she took to social media to explain her ordeal. Sharing a video on her Facebook handle, she said, “Things were a little bit different for me, but I put myself to it. Since she (my mother) died, I am like I am living a lifestyle which I have never lived before.”

The problems actually started in 2017 when the tennis star’s mother passed away due to breast cancer. A couple of years later, she lost her job in a hotel. Moreover, she became pregnant with her Liberian boyfriend.

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After becoming a mother, she got a job in her native country, Nigeria. But the compensation was far less than what she received in the United States. Slowly, she started losing basic amenities. Although she didn’t detail how she lost them, it eventually led her to become homeless.

Revealing her state on social media, Okpala got teary-eyed. Further, she explained why she roamed the streets of Awka, saying that it was difficult to get home. Okpala’s daughter is also struggling to get a better life as she languishes in the village.

While we have seen many tennis stars emerge from humble backgrounds with basic facilities, it is probably the first time that the world has witnessed a top tennis star going through such a saddening state.

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