Abi BBNaija, whose real name is Abisola Ayoola, is a 25-year-old Nigerian chef, model, and reality TV star who joined Big Brother Naija Season 11 in July 2026. She quickly made headlines as the first openly married female housemate of the season. Hailing from Osun State but raised in Lagos, Abi is known for her lively personality, culinary skills, and multilingual abilities—she speaks Italian almost perfectly.
Background and Early Life
Born in 2001 in Osun State, Abisola Ayoola grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. She is of Yoruba ethnicity and practices Christianity. Before entering the BBNaija house, she worked as a professional chef and model, and described herself as a "certified scene-stealer." Her hobbies include cooking, dancing, working out, and reading books.
Entering the Big Brother Naija House
Abi became the fourth housemate to enter the BBNaija Season 11 house when the show premiered on 26 July 2026. The season featured the theme "Show Ya Sef" and a record grand prize of ₦160 million, with 24 housemates competing. According to her official DStv profile, Abi joined because people often told her she belonged on television. She stated: "I think I am perfect for the show; everyone I’ve met told me I should be on TV."
In her introduction video, she emphasized her energetic and confident nature, saying she plans to combine her vibrant personality with her culinary background to stand out. She added: "So I think I'm going here for excitement because I think it's going to be fun. You know, I'm going to be around so many people."
Marriage to Alex Salgarella
Abi is married to Alex Salgarella, a white European man. The couple met on TikTok, where their online connection blossomed into a romantic relationship and eventually marriage. Initially, Alex was unsure about her joining BBNaija. According to Punch Newspapers, Abi recalled: "When my husband heard I was coming to the show, he actually fought with me, asking what I was going to do there. Initially, he didn’t support me." However, she later confirmed that he came around: "He was a bit nervous in the beginning, but now he’s fine. I’m just going to have fun, the way I always do."
Rising Social Media Following
Since entering the BBNaija house, Abi's online presence has grown. Her Instagram account (@thefaceofabi) has amassed over 23,000 followers as of late July 2026. She continues to engage fans with her cooking, dancing, and behind-the-scenes content.
Key Facts About Abi BBNaija
- Full name: Abisola Ayoola
- House name: Abi
- Age: 25 (born 2001)
- State of origin: Osun State, Nigeria
- Current residence: Lagos, Nigeria
- Husband: Alex Salgarella
- Profession: Chef, model, reality TV personality
- Languages: English, Yoruba, and Italian (almost perfect)
What’s Next for Abi?
As the season progresses, Abi aims to use her humour, confidence, and "sauce" to win over viewers and vie for the ₦160 million prize. Outside the house, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and reading, and hopes her BBNaija journey will open doors in the entertainment industry.
