BBNaija S9: Who Will Take the Crown Tonight?

Stories by Vanessa Obioha

The race to the nail-biting finale of the Big Brother reality TV show will come to an end tonight as the show wraps up its ninth season. Out of the 28 housemates who entered the house, only eight remain in the race for the coveted crown.

This season, dubbed the ‘No Loose Guard’ edition, began with a twist—housemates entered the game in pairs. Among them were twins, sisters, friends, lovers, and even a married couple, promising a season packed with drama. However, despite the initial excitement, this season did not generate as much buzz as previous editions. Various factors, including economic challenges and the housemates’ inability to ignite high-octane drama, have been cited for the show’s more subdued energy.

Yet, the ‘No Loose Guard’ season still has its ardent followers who ensure that their faves are kept in the house. The season’s faves include Wanni from the  Wanni X Handi, Onyeka, Kellyrae, Topher, Kassia and the laid-back Mbadiwe twins. Only Wanni, Onyeka, and Kellyrae are in the finale. They are also the top contenders to take home the crown and the N100 million worth of prizes.

Gender dynamics often play a role in the finale, as only three women—Mercy, Phyna, and Ilebaye—have won the title since the show’s inception. This year, there’s hope that a woman will once again claim the crown. Could it be Wanni, Nelly, Anita, or Victoria? Or will one of the male contenders—Sooj, Ozee, or Kellyrae—take the title? The last time a man won was in 2021 when WhiteMoney clinched the prize in the sixth season.

Tonight’s show will not only crown the season’s champion but also set the tone for the future of the show.