Week 9 of Big Brother Naija Season 10 proved to be a whirlwind of drama, laughter, and profound emotions, propelling the housemates closer to a historic finale. From high-stakes nominations and the mysterious Red Telephone to joyful karaoke sessions, tearful family reunions, shocking strikes, and pivotal eviction night bombshells, the house delivered an unforgettable series of events.

The race to the finale intensified with a suspenseful nomination show where housemates made desperate pleas to secure their spot in the final week. Sultana, holding the crucial Tree of Trinkets save power, chose to maintain fairness and saved no one, leaving everyone to face their fate. A significant twist saw Kaybobo become the third housemate to earn a direct ticket to the finale after answering the infamous Red Telephone, joining Sultana and Mide (who secured her spot through a Head of House win) and Mensan, crowned the Most Influential Player of the Week. While Jason Jae visibly struggled with disappointment, Isabella quickly rebounded from the snub, demonstrating the resilience needed in the game. With the finale looming, the tension within the house remained palpable.

Mid-week offered a much-needed break from the pressure with a lively karaoke session. Mide, known for her lyrical struggles, once again lost track of the words, while Faith immersed himself in the music with energetic vibes. Rooboy took on the role of the ultimate hype man, keeping the energy high. Isabella, true to form, turned her performance into a vibrant twerk fest, effortlessly chatting mid-song. Amidst the fun, Kola continued his persistent inquiries into a potential "ship" with Dede, suggesting Biggie might orchestrate their romance. Dede, however, remained resolute in her lack of interest, though Kola appeared determined to explore the possibility further.

The "egg baby" challenge introduced a unique blend of nurturing and drama. Each housemate was tasked with naming, caring for, and guarding their assigned egg. Sultana affectionately named hers Pookie, while Dede and Kola shared playful giggles over their newfound "parental" roles. However, the peace was short-lived. Imisi found herself in a heated clash with Rooboy over her egg’s design, and Kola openly expressed his frustrations regarding Imisi’s frequent shouting. Meanwhile, Mensan showcased his artistic talent by painting a detailed Big Brother eye, and Kaybobo meticulously constructed a nest for his egg. A sudden turn of events saw Biggie replay footage of Zita throwing food at Rooboy, resulting in a double strike for Zita. She promptly apologized, Rooboy accepted, and Mide lightened the mood with a timely joke. Nevertheless, the incident cast a shadow, as another strike could lead to Zita’s immediate eviction. The Red Telephone rang twice more, presenting housemates with tempting offers: Koyin opted to trade ₦1 million of the prize money for fresh haircuts and styling, while Kola chose to decline a luxurious manicure and pedicure.

Beyond the laughter, Week 9 also unveiled a cascade of raw emotion during surprise family reunions, separated by a plastic wall. The moments were intensely personal and moving: Koyin broke down in tears upon seeing his father, Faith beamed with joy and encouragement from his dad, and Dede openly sobbed as her mother urged her to remain strong. Isabella found relief in knowing her son was well, Mide rushed to embrace her mother, and Zita and her brother transformed their reunion into a vibrant mini dance performance. Rooboy, overwhelmed, bent in respectful awe before his father, while Kola's mother injected infectious cheer by dancing and chanting "Koli Popo!" The most poignant reunion was Kaybobo's with his mother, who caused him to drop to his knees in prayer and tears, unable to physically embrace her. Isabella quietly offered comfort to Kaybobo afterward, a stark reminder of the underlying humanity amidst the game.

The semi-final Live Show brought intense scrutiny and significant eliminations. Host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, channeling a striking drill-sergeant persona, grilled the housemates. The night delivered heartbreak as Mide narrowly missed the Top 10, concluding her journey marked by fierce competition, distinctive style, and her much-discussed romance with Bright Morgan, who had also exited after Saturday night’s double eviction. Faith confronted his turbulent week directly, with Ebuka pointedly asking, “Are you the problem?” His honest admission, “Sometimes, I am the problem. Sometimes, it’s an underlying issue,” resonated. Zita’s eviction concluded her fiery season, leaving as the only female Head of House to be crowned twice. Rooboy followed, stepping off stage visibly energized for his interview. Isabella, questioned about her various "links" within the house, from Bright Morgan to Mensan, responded cheekily, “It’s just fun,” a sentiment Koyin affirmed. As Ebuka wisely stated, “A week in Big Brother’s house is a long time,” setting the stage for the final countdown.

This cocktail of suspense, laughter, love, and heartbreak served as the perfect prelude to a once-in-a-decade finale. For the first time ever in Big Brother Naija history, ten housemates are now sprinting into the last week: Dede, Faith, Imisi, Isabella, Jason Jae, Kaybobo, Kola, Koyin, Mensan, and Sultana. This unprecedented lineup underscores the historic nature of Season 10, promising an electrifying conclusion that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.