Before the Finale: The Stories That Got the BBNaija Top 9 This Far

In what has been the most unpredictable season yet, the “Show Ya Sef,” is gradually coming to a close. Twenty-four housemates walked in on July 26, with intentions to do whatever it takes to take home the N160 million grand prize.

Weeks after, we’ve experienced chaos, exits, romance and storylines that extend well beyond the four walls of the BBNaija house.

But, before the season officially closes, here are the lores that have driven the stories of each of the top 9.

• Tram

Tram, the rage baiter and braggadocious streamer, was the first housemate through the door on launch night. One thing we’ve learnt from watching Tram week after week is his need to always show that everything is under control. From the exaggerated stories that almost make him seem like a poser to the constant poking of other housemates, it was obvious that he came here to win, and he’ll do everything to ensure he takes the crown.

• Sheba

There’s nothing wrong with being a try-hard, and Sheba embodies that. The 32-year-old broadcaster made it a point of duty to prove that to everyone, and she started early: she became the season’s first female Head of House in Week 2 and was Most Influential Player of the Week in Week 5. If it’s a task, she’s giving 100%; if it’s relationships, she’s investing it all as well. That lack of nonchalance is one that’s needed in a mix of personalities like this.

• Flora

When Flora learnt she was a Gambit, she cried for 40 days and 40 nights. Yes, this is an exaggeration, but the tears were real: the role guaranteed her a final spot and ruled her out of the grand prize. But as soon as she shook it off, she instantly became one of the fan favourites. Her non-conformity was one that made her particularly stand out, add to that an industrious beautician whose work shone from the weekly lush hair tasks to the “Flora mini makeup” sessions in the house. She is really that housemate.

• Oyin

Then there’s Oyin. If Flora is non-conforming, only one person has her at her beck and call, and that is Oyin, her best friend in the house. And in that house, Oyin thrived in chaos. She fought people’s battles and her own battles, gave us unfiltered gists about other housemates in her gossip sessions, and committed to a day-in, day-out slay. Even Bells, in her exit interview, said she pulled back from the pair because they constantly put each other first.

You can’t speak about Oyin and not mention her commitment to always serving looks. Many didn’t care about how they looked this season, but with Oyin, you could tell she was intentional.

• Bluethopia

Bluethopia was that one housemate who wore her heart on her sleeve. She was emotional about everything, and it didn’t help that her circle kept shrinking: Neche left voluntarily, and Kamsy was evicted in Week 3, Sultex went in Week 5, Chimsom Chuka in the September 20 triple eviction, and Keivo’s disqualification took another friend out days before the finale. Of that circle, only Barry is still in the house with her. She gave us chaos, triangles, and humor when needed.

• Barry

You can’t speak about empathy in the house without mentioning Mr Nice Guy, Barry. He cooked, cleaned, and cared for everyone. Barry was that one housemate who did not necessarily side with anyone when it came to issues in the house.

Then came the power. He won Week 8 Head of House, which came with the Ultimate Veto Power, and in Week 9, he chose Immunity For All, locking all ten remaining housemates into the finale, the first time in BBNaija history that every finalist was decided at the start of week nine. Keivo’s disqualification has since trimmed the list to nine. Barry then added a second title as the season’s final Head of House. There are also his dynamics with the ladies, his loyalty to the BAK squad (Barry, Aikou and Keivo) and his untouchable love for the ex he confessed to Sheba he still loves, who might as well have been the 25th housemate this season.

• Aikou

Aikou did not come to the house to conform to anyone’s standard. The 25-year-old backend developer from Abuja has a 1950s vibe that many thought suited Who Wants To Be A Millionaire more than BBNaija. He began the season as a Gambit, safe but out of the prize race, and has since faced the public vote and survived.

The housemates love his words of wisdom, his calmness and his ability to read the room, and the viewers love him for the same reasons. In his first diary session, he said people almost always want to baby him, and 10 weeks after, it seems that charm has pulled him to the finals, despite his not condoning or doing any of the things many would think guarantee a fan base.

• Ricky

Ricky doesn’t care. From the moment he came into the house, it was obvious that he was ready to toe the controversial line, and that is exactly what defined his stay. The Port Harcourt writer and filmmaker doesn’t directly involve himself; he instigates and says things as they are.

To some, his nonchalance and aura farming are despicable; to others, they are his best quality, and that divisiveness is what has kept him in the house till now.

• Temi Nkem

Temi is not afraid of being embarrassing. She’ll do anything to entertain, and that’s exactly why her fans love her. From her interesting catchphrases to her ability to make spur-of-the-moment decisions that leave you on the edge of your seat, case in point, kissing Tram with Keivo walking in on them, Temi is real reality TV material. With her, the storylines are numerous, the humor is to die for and the vibes are 100%.

This Sunday, these 9 housemates will have their final shot at the prize: ₦90 million in cash after deductions, a brand-new car and the crown. No one has shaped this final stretch more than Barry, who locked in the finalists and closed the season as Head of House. But power and votes are different currencies, and the big question is who has done enough to capture the hearts of Nigeria?

Catch the BBNaija finale on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 7pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family. You can also stream the finale on DStv Stream.