In a historic moment for Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina emerged as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
This remarkable achievement marks the highest placement ever for a Nigerian contestant in the prestigious competition.
Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig clinched the Miss Universe 2024 crown, but it was Adetshina’s inspiring journey that captured global attention.
The 23-year-old’s road to the pageant was far from ordinary. Born to a Nigerian father and raised in South Africa, she initially competed in the Miss South Africa contest but was forced to withdraw before the final due to a heated nationality dispute. The controversy, fueled by xenophobic backlash, arose when South African officials claimed her mother had allegedly stolen the identity of a South African woman.
Adetshina faced threats and relentless attacks on her Nigerian heritage, prompting her to withdraw “for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.”
Despite having lived outside Nigeria for 20 years, the Miss Universe Nigeria Organization invited her to represent her father’s homeland. Accepting the invitation, she earned the Nigerian crown and a chance to redefine her narrative on an international stage.
In the lead-up to the Miss Universe finals, Adetshina shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the warmth and acceptance she received from Nigerians.
“Many wonder why I didn’t stop… But my dreams have kept me afloat,” she wrote. “To my dearest Nigerians, with open arms, you carried me on wheels made of the purest love and intentions… Nigeria refueled my purpose and my reason to live.”
Her resilience and grace shone brightly as she made history on the Miss Universe stage. Though she did not claim the crown, Adetshina’s story of perseverance and identity transcended borders, resonating with millions worldwide.
