Big Brother Naija Season 11 has recorded its first evictions, with Martins and Mercedes becoming the first housemates to leave the reality show.
Their exits came during the latest live eviction show, as the competition moved into another stage and 22 housemates remained in the race for the ₦160 million grand prize.
The latest development follows a tense nomination process that saw a large pool of housemates placed at risk of eviction.
Goddessa Leads Week 2 Nominations
During Monday's nomination session, Goddessa received the highest number of nominations with six votes, making her the most nominated housemate of the week.
Abi, Barry, Bells, Temi Nkem and Tram followed closely, with each receiving five nominations.
However, the nomination list was later altered after Week 2 Head of House Sheba exercised her veto power. Sheba saved Chimsom Chuka from possible eviction and replaced him with Cassi.
This left 16 housemates facing possible eviction, while Aikou and Flora remained protected as the season's Gambits.
The Gambit twist, introduced during the launch of Season 11, gives the two selected housemates automatic places in the grand finale while removing their eligibility to win the ₦160 million grand prize.
Martins Becomes First Housemate Evicted
Martins was the first housemate announced as evicted from the competition.
The 30-year-old visual storyteller and fashion model from Kogi State was among the 24 contestants introduced when Season 11 premiered on July 26 under the theme "Everything Is For The Taking."
His eviction comes shortly after his birthday was celebrated inside the house.
Fellow housemates organised a special gathering for Martins, with Mercedes entertaining him with a performance while other housemates offered prayers and goodwill messages.
Despite the memorable celebration, Martins' journey in the Big Brother house has now come to an end.
Mercedes Joins Him Out of the House
Mercedes was subsequently announced as the second evicted housemate of the night.
The 26-year-old massage therapist and concierge business owner from Delta State was also part of the original Season 11 lineup.
Her exit, alongside Martins', reduces the number of active housemates from 24 to 22.
With the first eviction now out of the way, the competition is expected to become even more intense as the remaining contestants settle further into their relationships, strategies and alliances.
Chimsom Chuka Secures Immunity
While Martins and Mercedes' exits dominated the eviction show, Chimsom Chuka emerged as one of the night's biggest winners.
After being saved from possible eviction by Sheba's veto power, Chimsom went on to win the first Most Influential Player of the Week title.
The victory came with a major advantage: eviction immunity for the following week.
The 27-year-old pharmacist and actor will therefore have one less immediate threat to worry about as the housemates prepare for another round of nominations.
With Martins and Mercedes now out, 22 housemates remain in the BBNaija Season 11 house, while Flora and Aikou continue their unique journeys as Gambits and Chimsom enters the next eviction cycle with immunity.
As the season progresses, the alliances, rivalries and strategies that have only begun to take shape could become even more important in determining who survives the road to the finale.
