The competition has reached its climax, leaving many wondering how their favourites secured a spot in the Top 8, having outmaneuvered an impressive 20 housemates. 

From flying under the radar to making power moves, these resilient players proved that in Biggie's house, game truly recognizes game. 

This season's Big Brother Naija witnessed a remarkable coincidence: three Heads of House, Anita, Kellyrae, and Onyeka, celebrated their birthdays within the house. 

In a stunning twist, all three birthday celebrants have secured spots in the finale, could that have been the spice they needed to get here?

Anita

Birthday: 14 August 1995 (Celebrated in the house)

 Anita, the no-nonsense beauty, captured hearts with her softer side, particularly when it came to her younger bae, Topher. Their dynamic was undeniable, keeping her entertained, fed, and warm. Anita's impressive game was solidified by two Head of House wins alongside best friend Nelly. Their strategic decision to initially exclude Sooj and Topher from the HoH condo showcased their savvy.

Anita's competitiveness was palpable, especially during diary sessions where she'd tear up over lost HoH opportunities. Her pursuit of Topher sparked intrigue, particularly when she pressed him to reveal his age. Topher's white lie kept him in her good books.

As part of the last surviving pair, Nelita, Anita shines in the finale alongside Nelly. Her style game was unmatched, leveraging her tall, lean frame to make bold fashion statements. It's evident why she was once crowned Nigeria's Most Beautiful Girl. Anita's memorable moments include celebrating her birthday as HoH, and slaying eviction nights with Nelly. Stormers rejoice! "The money is tall".

Kellyrae

Birthday: 29 September 1990 (Celebrated in the house)

Kellyrae's bold move—entering Big Brother Naija with his new wife, Kassia, and keeping it a secret—proves his strategic genius. Fans, aka KaySquad, have been jamming to "The money is married," anticipating DoubleKay's next move. Kellyrae bravely navigated the pressure of housemates vying for Kassia's attention, notably Toby Forge.

This high-risk strategy paid off, earning him respect. Beyond his cunning nature, Kellyrae was a hard worker, often starting days singing, dancing, cooking, and cleaning with Kassia. His impressive voice and task dedication won hearts. Just before final evictions, Kellyrae secured HoH, becoming the first confirmed finalist.

Celebrating his birthday on the throne, he unfortunately bid farewell to evicted Kassia and  eventually revealed their eight-month marriage to the house. Kellyrae's emotional composure and calculated gameplay solidified his spot in the finale.

Nelly

Birthday: 15 June 1995

Nelly's fortunate finale journey is nothing short of remarkable. Spending the last week with best friend and love interest, Sooj, is a rare blessing. Amidst the pressure cooker of Big Brother Naija, Nelly's managed to keep her loved one by her side. Her stunning looks and impeccable style earned her the title of "The money is fashionable" from her devoted fanbase, Nellyverse.

They've supported her since her back-to-back HoH wins in Weeks 3 and 4. Nelly and Anita, collectively known as Nelita, flew under the radar, surprising the house with their strength. Except for the ties when everyone was up for nomination and maybe the last two weeks, Nelita somehow avoided eviction threats.

Nelly's courage shone during the 'Face your fears' wager presentation, sharing her heartbreaking childhood ordeal. Her soft demeanor and vulnerability captivated audiences. Initially perceived as loud and confident, Nelly proved to be a sensitive soul. Her altercation with Chinwe fizzled out, showcasing her peaceful nature.

One constant remains: Nelly's passion for dance. Find her on the dance floor, shining bright.

Onyeka

Birthday: 5 September 1995 (Celebrated in the House)

Onyeka, the vibrant Chekas girl, burst into the Big Brother Naija scene alongside her sister, Chizoba. Despite initial struggles, Onyeka's dynamic personality and versatility shone through, particularly in wager executions and dazzling dance performances. Her devoted fanbase, ONYXTARS, celebrate her remarkable resilience, likening her to a phoenix rising from the ashes. Onyeka's journey was marked by adversity, with Chekas nearly exiting in Week 1 when Chekas made Bottom 4.

She pioneered solo survival in the house, adapting after Chizoba's Week 7 eviction. Onyeka made history as the first individual Head of House in Week 6, solidifying her spot among the finalists. ONYXTARS proudly declare: "The money is spicy!" Onyeka's undeniable charm and determination have secured her place in the finale.

Ozee

Birthday: 9 November 1986

Way Geng, rise up! Ozee, the charismatic Mbadiwe Twin, embodies "The only way is Mbadiwe." His journey, tagged "The money is twinned," showcases exceptional gameplay. After reaching the semi-finals with brother Ocee, Ozee seamlessly adapted to solo gameplay. As the house therapist and peacemaker, Ozee's calm demeanor kept him under the radar throughout the season. A lawyer by profession and elder among housemates, Ozee's strategic neutrality paid off. His name rarely surfaced during nominations. Ozee's game highlight? Masterfully keeping fans guessing about his relationships with Onyeka and Victoria. This tantalizing uncertainty secured his finale spot.

In a stunning twist, Ozee enters the finale with both love interests, all three having held the coveted HoH title. A remarkable feat, solidifying Ozee's smooth operator status.

Sooj

Birthday: 23 March 2001

Sooj, the baby of the house, has earned legendary status. His fans, LEGENDS, proudly declare "The money is legendary."  With maturity beyond his 23 years, Sooj expertly navigated the No Loose Guard game with his partnership with Nelly raising questions: strategy or romance? As solo HoH in Week 8, Sooj demonstrated unexpected assertiveness.

It was as if he knew that at the end of his reign, he would become the only semi-finalist not nominated at all, earning himself a seat at the finale. This former Aces hunk, joined the game with his equally smooth friend, Topher and one thing that stood out is how they went for friends, Nelita and this made their moves so much easier.

Sooj recently told Ebuka that what he has with Nelly hasn’t been defined yet. How cute is it that he’s made the final week with his madam? Goals!

Victoria

Birthday: 11 May 1999

The calm and collected Victoria entered Big Brother Naija alongside Shaun, but his attention lay elsewhere. Unfazed, Victoria embodied serenity, her nonchalance legendary. If "taking it in stride" and nonchalant had a baby, that would be Victoria. Cool, calm, and collected, she navigated the game with ease.Victoria's competitiveness sparked only during tasks, revealing her feisty side.

Her fanbase, VIKINGS, admired her focus and protected her at all costs. Her strong bond with Kassia made Kassia's pre-finale eviction devastatin and Ozee's timely comfort softened the blow. Notably, Victoria's reaction to Kassia's exit surpassed her response to Shaun's earlier departure. Diplomatic as ever, she kept her emotions in check.

With one Head of House reign under her belt, Victoria enters the finale. VIKINGS rejoice! "The money is introverted" has never rung truer.

Wanni

Birthday: 10 December 1996

Tosa Tosa Tosa! Wanni's name is synonymous with infectious energy and an unforgettable Big Brother Naija journey alongside twin sister Handi. Falling in love was never part of Wanni's strategy, but she did - hooking up with Shaun on launch night. Wanni x Handi and Shaun became a tripartite alliance, coined "Shaun and the chihuahuas".

Their bond lasted until his eviction two weeks before the finale. The same night, Wanni faced a double blow, losing Handi to eviction as well. But she didn't let grief define her. After one night of tears, Wanni refocused on her mission.

She adapted, finding joy in the game without Shaun and Handi. A standout achievement: Wanni's the sole finalist to have won the Custodian Challenge.

Energy Squad, rejoice! Wanni's resilience earns her a finale spot. "The money is energized!" Tosa Tosa Tosa!

Voting for the WINNER of Big Brother Naija No Loose Guard is now open! Vote for Anita, Kellyrae, Nelly, Onyeka, Ozee, Sooj, Victoria, and/or Wanni to be the ultimate winner of the season. DStv and GOtv subscribers can use their MyDStv or MyGOtv apps to manage their accounts or vote. Check out "How to vote" for many more other ways to vote for yourwinner. Watch the show live on the 24-hour channels 198 on DStv and 49 on GOtv. Fans across Africa can sign up on the streaming service Showmax. Stay plugged into Biggie's world on our website and be part of the #BBNaija gist on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.