Godwin Kienka, former coach of Tanya Okpala, has said that the ex-tennis player returned to Nigeria from the United States in 2007 over drug-related issues.
Okpala appeared in a viral video on Saturday where she sought help to care for herself and daughter. Anambra State Government has since taken her into custody.
Mr Kienka, director of the International Tennis Academy, told NAN on Monday that Okpala was a promising young star who competed and won competitions in age group cadre before progressing to the senior level.
Kienka said Okpala, Jacqueline Okwueze among others performed so well that they all got scholarships to study in the US but the former returned over alleged drug abuse.
He said efforts had been made to normalise the 41-year-old but each time she was taken to a rehabilitation centre she escaped.
“Tanya Okpala was number 1 in the ladies singles ranking at some point and won several singles and doubles titles including the CBN Senior Championships.
“Jacqueline Okwueze is her teammate; she is still in the US as a criminal lawyer.
“I am also grateful to the gentleman who shot the clip and brought her situation to national attention and also the Anambra government that has intervened,” he said.
Anambra commissioner for women and children affairs Ify Obinabo said Okpala was evacuated from the street on Sunday night.
Mrs Obinabo said the athlete had been moved to a rehabilitation centre.
Ex-tennis star Tanya Okpala in Anambra govt’s custody after disturbing video
She said that Governor Charles Soludo and his wife, Nonye, had followed the story of the former athlete and promised to give her the best medical and psychological support that would return her to normal life.
“Yes, we have taken her to a rehabilitation centre; her case is a case of drug and frustration and from my interactions with her, she understands she is in a mess and wants to come out of it.
“She expressed sadness that she could not give her child the type of care she enjoyed under her own parents.
“Mr Governor and First Lady are particularly interested in this case and have promised to do anything possible to make her live a normal life again,” she said.
Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) expressed delight over the timely intervention of the Anambra Government in the plight of Okpala.
“The Olympic movement in Nigeria is deeply saddened by the plight of Tanya Okpala, but we are delighted that the Anambra government has taken charge of the situation,” NOC spokesman Tony Nezianya told NAN.
