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Big Brother Naija has introduced its first major twist of Season 11, replacing the opening week’s eviction with a new viewer-powered gameplay feature called “The Gambit.”
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Viewers will vote to select one male and one female housemate to become The Gambits, guaranteeing them places in the grand finale but ruling them out of the race for the ₦160 million grand prize.
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Despite losing eligibility for the top prize, the selected housemates will remain active in the competition, participating in tasks, sponsored challenges and weekly reward games throughout the season.
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The surprise twist has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many viewers divided over whether guaranteed safety until the finale is worth sacrificing the chance to become the show’s winner.
July 28, (THEWILL) — Big Brother Naija has unveiled its first major twist of Season 11, introducing The Gambit, a new feature that guarantees two housemates a place in the grand finale but takes away their chance of winning the show’s ₦160 million grand prize.
The announcement was made during Monday’s live session with the housemates following the first nominations.
Host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu revealed that there would be no eviction in the opening week, describing it as a “fake nomination week”. Instead, viewers will vote to select one male and one female housemate to become The Gambits.
Under the new format, the two selected housemates will enjoy automatic immunity until the final week of the competition. However, they will become ineligible to compete for the ₦160 million grand prize. They will, however, remain active in the house, participating in daily activities, wager tasks, sponsored challenges and other games while remaining eligible to win weekly rewards.
Voting is now open on the show’s web, mobile, MyDStv and MyGOtv platforms. All housemates are eligible for selection except the current Head of House, Chimsom Chuka, who is exempt from this week’s voting process.
The new feature comes a day after the season premiere, which introduced a fresh lineup of housemates and crowned Chimsom Chuka as the first Head of House.
It also marks the season’s first major shake-up, with viewers now deciding which one male and one female housemate will earn guaranteed places in the grand finale.
Viewers React
The announcement quickly sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many viewers debating whether a guaranteed place in the finale is worth giving up the chance to win the ₦160 million grand prize.
@Jixie_e commented: “Viewers voting to make a boring housemate a Gambit so they can sit in the house for 10 weeks with ZERO chance of winning the money is top tier ghetto punishment!”
@k1drockkk said: “Una for just do evictions ajeh.”
@khiss29 wrote: “Biggie just turned two housemates into permanent spectators with VIP access. The twist is cruel, but the drama will be chef’s kiss.”
@Friskie_ said: “Nice strategy this season, I think Temi and Araga are a perfect fit for the Gambit.”
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
