But what exactly kept them in the house this long? Beyond luck, these finalists displayed a unique blend of strategy, personality, and resilience. Here are five key positive attributes and strategies that defined their journey and connected them to millions of fans across Africa:

Strategic alliance building

Forming genuine yet tactical bonds kept housemates safe when it mattered most. Imisi’s early partnership with Koyin was one of the most talked-about alliances of the season, shielding both from eviction jitters. Their loyalty to each other earned admiration from fans, who praised them for staying solid in the midst of chaos. Dede also thrived in this area, balancing her quiet diplomacy with a playful pseudo-romance with Kola. This dynamic kept her in the spotlight while softening her image, giving fans and housemates alike another reason to keep her around.

Authenticity and relatability

In a game where façades can be spotted from a mile away, being authentic became a superpower. Kola’s heartfelt diary sessions about his romantic side and strong family values struck a chord with viewers, sparking viral conversations that boosted his fan base. Isabella, meanwhile, stood out for her unfiltered humour and emotional honesty. She wore her heart on her sleeve, and whether she was cracking jokes or shedding tears, viewers found her rawness both entertaining and endearing. Mensan and Imisi also captured hearts in their own way: their emotional diary sessions, where both broke down in tears at different points, reminded fans that beneath the strategies were vulnerable humans struggling with the intensity of the game.

Competitive excellence in tasks and challenges

From Head of House (HoH) wins to wager victories, housemates who proved themselves in tasks not only earned immunity but also showcased grit and determination. Jason Jae and Faith consistently stood out during wager tasks, boosting house morale and contributing to major wins. Their performances made them assets to the group, ensuring peers and fans recognised their value beyond mere survival.
Strength in tasks often translated into strength in the game. Mensan became a driving force in wager tasks, his creativity and determination lifting team morale and helping secure crucial wins. Sultana also shone during group challenges, especially in puzzle-solving, earning her respect as one of the most reliable competitors. 

Entertainment value and positive energy

Big Brother is as much about entertainment as it is about strategy. Bringing good vibes, drama-free humour, and engaging performances made certain housemates unforgettable. Imisi thrived in this area, her humour, funny hairdos and dressing plus positive energy adding colour to the daily rhythm of the house and making her one of the most talked-about housemates online. Jason Jae and Koyin were the house dancers who became highlights for both housemates and viewers, cementing their place as  fan-favourite entertainers.
Kaybobo’s effortless humour and “wahala-free” personality also added to the positive energy.

 
Emotional intelligence and adaptability

BBNaija is unpredictable, and those who thrived showed the ability to read the room, resolve conflicts, and adapt to unexpected twists. Koyin consistently displayed calmness under pressure, stepping in to mediate when tempers flared; his level-headedness won him respect. Dede also showcased adaptability, adjusting quickly whenever alliances shifted and proving she could thrive under changing dynamics without losing her composure

Final thoughts

The BBNaija Season 10 Top 10 didn’t make it here by chance. They combined strategy with authenticity, entertainment with intelligence, and individual strength with teamwork. These attributes not only helped them survive eviction after eviction but also carved their place in the hearts of millions of viewers.

As the finale approaches, one question remains - whose mix of strategy, charm, and resilience will be enough to walk away with the crown?

The Big Brother Naija S10 Top 10: Dede, Faith, Imisi, Isabella, Jason Jae, Kaybobo, Kola, Koyin, Mensan, and Sultana are the official finalists. Only one will be crowned the winner at the finale, which will air on Sunday, 5 October on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, on DStv channel 151 & Gotv 49. You have until this Friday at 22:00 WAT (23:00 CAT) to vote and ensure your favourite 10/10 housemate gets crowned the winner. Watch BBNaija season 10 live 24/7, on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49, and on Showmax. Follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for all the gist. BBNaija season 10 is proudly brought to you by our Gold sponsor, Guinness Nigeria.