Ijeoma “Mercedes” Emi has been evicted from the Big Brother Naija Season 11 house, becoming the second housemate to exit the “Show Ya Sef” edition following the season’s first live eviction show on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Mercedes’ eviction came shortly after housemate Martins Iyeh was announced as the first person voted out of the house, making it a double eviction on the night. The two departures mark the end of the show’s opening stretch, which had gone without an eviction after a twist known as “The Gambit” shielded two housemates, Flora and Aikou, from elimination until the finale, though at the cost of their eligibility for the grand prize.
Voting results announced during the live show placed Martins and Mercedes among the bottom three housemates for the week, alongside Keivo. Martins received 1.63 percent of the vote, while Mercedes polled 2.29 percent. Keivo, who recorded 2.92 percent, was saved from eviction.
A 26-year-old self-employed massage therapist and performance artist from Delta State, Mercedes spent two weeks in the house before her exit. During her stay, she was known for her active participation in the house’s social dynamics, including a widely discussed disagreement with fellow housemate Oyin. She also won the Arena Games challenge in the show’s second week.
Other developments during the week included Sheba emerging as Head of House and using her immunity powers to protect housemate Chimsom Chuka from eviction, while Nomy received the season’s first official strike from Big Brother for repeatedly defying instructions during a house meeting.
Speaking with host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu after her eviction, Mercedes reflected on her time in the house, saying she gave her best effort and pushed herself beyond her limits during the competition. She said she plans to return to her massage and concierge businesses, and intends to use proceeds to support her family, including funding her father’s surgery.
With the exit of Martins and Mercedes, 22 housemates remain in the competition, alongside Flora and Aikou, who continue in the house as Gambits without eligibility for the season’s ₦160 million grand prize. Big Brother Naija Season 11 launched in July 2026 with 24 housemates competing under the season’s theme, “Show Ya Self.”
