- The ninth season of Big Brother Naija has erupted onto our screens tonight, introducing a thrilling lineup of 28 housemates, who have strutted into the house in 14 sizzling pairs.
- For the next 71 rollercoaster days, this stunning and opulent house will be the battleground for these dynamic duos.
- Living under the unyielding gaze of 24/7 surveillance, these better-as-pairs contestants will face twists, turns, as they scheme, plot, and vie for ultimate glory this season
The highly anticipated Big Brother Naija Season 9 premieres today, Sunday, July 28, delivering an electrifying twist: housemates will compete in dynamic pairs.
This season is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with the ultimate prize of a whopping N100 million awaiting the victorious winner.
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returns as the charismatic host for this year’s edition, unveiling 14 captivating pairs, making up a total of 28 housemates.
Among them are siblings, lovers, and friends, all set to ignite the house with their unique dynamics and fierce competition.
MEET THE 14 PAIRS
1) Aces
Aces (Sooj and Topher)
Relationship: Friends for one year
Sooj (23) Communications Specialist
Origin: Imo State
Topher (24) Public Relations Analyst
Origin: Lagos State
It was friendship at first sight for this fashion duo, when Sooj interviewed for a job at the PR firm Topher worked at. The two started vining from the jump after Topher complemented his fit.
2) Zinwe
Relationship: Dating for six months
Chinwe (30) Beauty and Skincare Entrepreneur
Origin: Imo State
Zion (26) Model and Fashion Designer
Origin: Edo State
These two lovebirds met on the eve of a mutual friend’s bachelor party but didn’t talk until after the party moved to the club.
3) Wanni x Handi
Relationship: Twin sisters and best friends
Wanni and Handi (27) Deejays
Origin: Kaduna State
A sisterhood fuelled by passion, resilience, and an unbreakable bond, Wanni and Handi’s relationship started with sharing the same space in their mother’s womb 27 years ago and it has blossomed into an inseparable bond between the two.
4) Tami
Relationship: Best friends for 8 years
Damilola (28) Nightlife PR Manager Origin: Osun State
Toyosi (26) Beautician
Origin: Osun State
A perfect picture taken at a Lagos TV event in 2016 led to a solid sisterhood for these self-proclaimed twins. Damilola not only took a photo that Toyosi loved, but she also managed to calm anxiety, making her a keeper.
5) Streeze
Streeze (Mayor and Toby)
Relationship: Friends since 2022
Mayor (24) Media Director/Content Creator
Origin: Oyo State
Toby (27) Content Creator and Dance Artiste
Origin: Ondo State
When these two content creators met, there was an instant connection. They quickly realised they were perfect for each other, creatively and personally.
6) Shatoria
Shatoria (Shaun and Victoria)
Relationship: Friends for over a year
Victoria: (25) Travel consultant and commercial model
Origin: Imo State
Shaun: (28) Entrepreneur, model and actor
Origin: Edo State
The vibrant nightlife of Dubai gave birth to a strong connection for Victoria and Shaun. Their shared love of travelling and nightlife has created a balanced and enduring friendship.
7) Radicals
Radicals (Fairme David and Michky)
Relationship: Friends
Fairme David (29) Professional Dancer and Content Creator
Origin: Delta State
Michky (24) Gym instructor
Origin: Edo State
Their friendship started after a chance encounter at the gym and was further strengthened by their shared love for ‘Big ikebe’. “We have not known each other for so long but now it seems like we have known each other for decades,” Michky says about his bond with Fairme David.
8) Nelita
Nelita (Anita and Queen Nelly)
Relationship: Friends for 9 years
Anita (28) Specialist Practitioner
Origin: Imo State
Queen Nelly (29) Chef and Entertainer
Origin: Abia State
These two met at a beauty pageant audition in Owerri, Imo State and they connected instantly. When Anita won Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) in 2018, Queen Nelly distanced herself because she felt she was no longer in the same “class” as her friend. However, Anita had a pleasant surprise for her. “My stubborn friend didn’t let go, she tried her best to check up on me and always reached out every chance she could.
9) Ndi Nne
Ndi Nne (Chinne and Mary)
Relationship: Niece and aunt
Mary (22) Entrepreneur
Origin: Anambra State
Chinne (31) Entrepreneur
Origin: Anambra State
The duo’s bond started with Mary’s birth in 2002 and grew stronger when Chinne moved in with Mary’s parents. This arrangement made the two ladies inseparable, sharing every moment of their lives. “My aunt was like a big sister to me. She taught me vital things and we bonded like siblings,” Mary said about their relationship.
10) Mbadiwe Twins
Mbadiwe twins (Ocee and Ozee)
Relationship: Identical twins
Ocee and Ozee (37) Lawyers, Entertainers, Entrepreneur
Origin: Imo State
These two are bound by blood and shaped by life. Their journey began together in their mother’s womb. As identical twins, they have an unbreakable connection.
11) Floruish
Floruish (DJ Flo and Rhuthee)
Relationship: Long-term friends (10 years)
DJ Flo (27) Deejay
Origin: Imo State
Rhuthee (32) Event Planner and Caterer
Origin: Akwa Ibom State
Their decade-strong friendship was forged in a Ghanaian school and cemented by shared experiences.
12) DoubleKay
DoubleKay (KellyRae and KayXtra)
Relationship: Married for 5 months, together over 9 years
KayXtra (30) Entrepreneur
Origin: Delta State
KellyRae (33) Professional singer
Origin: Delta State
A game of hard-to-get over nine years ago led to a fairy tale story with a happily ever after for DoubleKay. Married since February 2024, the married couple is ready to showcase who they are and what they can do on the biggest platform they know.
13) Chekas
Chekas (Chizoba and Onyeka)
Relationship: Sisters and best friends
Chizoba (31) Software Developer
Origin: Anambra State
Onyeka (28) Lawyer and Entrepreneur
Origin: Anambra State
Their bond as sisters was formed the minute Onyeka, the younger sister, was born. In Chizoba’s words, “We hit it off from the first day I laid my eyes on her”. As sisters, they sure have their differences, but this doesn’t stop them for having each other’s backs during challenging times
14) Beta
Beta (Ben and Tjay)
Relationship: Friends for six years
Ben (29) Club influencer
Origin: Delta State
Tjay (33) Medical Doctor
Origin: Ogun State
Not your regular kind of friendship … but these two are not just friends, but business partners too. They randomly met on Instagram in 2018 and neither of them knew that one comment would be the beginning of a lasting friendship.