Big Brother Naija – And we have ten finalists

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It is unprecedented, but after Sunday’s evictions, 10 housemates emerged as finalists for the 10th season of the Big Brother Naija reality show, dubbed ‘Ten over Ten’. And social media is all agog on how the finale this Sunday will play. Some are guessing there will be evictions during the week, while others think the evictions will start on Saturday.

Zita and Rooboy, fresh from their altercation that gained the former a double strike, together with Mide, were evicted on Sunday, together with Mide. That leaves Head of House Jason Jae, Faith, Kaybobo, Kola, Koyin, and Mensan as the guys in the last 10. The ladies are Dede, Imisi, Isabella, and Sultana.

Who will be the last housemate standing this Sunday? Let’s break it down. With the whole lot being uninspiring and not very exciting, some housemates have stood out a bit, while some are very forgettable. What are their chances?

Jason Jae, Faith, Kaybobo, Kola, Koyin, and Mensan

The guys have been the least impressive, and it’s a surprise they are still in the house. Kaybobo reminds me of John Steinbeck’s Lennie Small, in the book Of Mice and Men. Big and strong, but not very intelligent, he has looked lost throughout the ten weeks. Faith will probably be remembered as the guy who cried a lot; Jason Jae, Kola and Koyin are wallflowers, and Mensan is just as forgettable.

Dede, Imisi and Isabella

How is Imisi in the final? I don’t even remember anything she has been part of, talk about being under the radar. She hasn’t fought anybody, hasn’t been on any ‘ship’, and generally done nothing. But seems the unpredictable Nigerian public has been voting for her, and it would be a huge shocker if she won it all, proving BB Naija has become a joke.

Dede has been on the periphery of things, on the outside but always here looking in. But, like Imisi, she really hasn’t done anything, and it would be unfair if she did win.

Isabella has been an enigma of sorts, moving from one guy to another as she pleases. Was it strategy, or just a strong desire for intimacy? Whatever it is, it seems to have worked, because she is the final. But winning it? Not that strong a candidate, I think.

Sultana

Which leaves Sultana. While none of the Housemates has stood out, at least Sultana has been impressive from Day One. In a Shakara house where everyone is always quarrelling, she has stayed away and kept her dignity.

Notably, she also declined any ‘ship’, which some housemates try to use to make an impression. Maybe the fickle Nigerian voters will opt for substance this time instead of hype. I vote for Sultana to take the US$100m grand prize.