- Nigeria’s Chidinma Adetshina broke a global record to become the first Nigerian to emerge as the first runner-up in the competition. She was also the highest-ranked African Contestant at the just-concluded competition.
The just-concluded 73rd Miss Universe Competition 2024, held in Mexico, brought together the best of global talent, beauty, and culture. Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig won the crown, taking over from Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
However, Nigerians’ eyes are now on Chidinma Adetshina, the Nigerian contender who not only stood out but made history as the first Nigerian to emerge as runner-up in the competition. She was also crowned Miss Universe Africa & Oceania as the highest-ranked African Contestant of 2024. That is Nigeria’s highest placement at any Miss Universe pageant.
The 23-year-old beauty queen was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother. She previously competed in the 2023 Miss South Africa pageant. As a finalist in the pageant, she faced anti-immigrant sentiments due to her Nigerian roots. Critics questioned her eligibility, arguing that she wasn’t “South African enough” to represent the country.
The backlash quickly escalated, with social media platforms flooded with mean comments on the lingering prejudices in South Africa regarding immigrants and foreigners. That period was particularly difficult for her. In interviews, she has spoken candidly about the experience, sharing how the backlash initially made her question her place in a country she had called home for over two decades. The identity crisis was troubling.
“It hurt deeply, and it was really hard. There were times when I had to cry myself to sleep and be like God why me? But I just had to try to Look at the positive side of things and thought maybe something good will come out of this,” Chidinma Adetshina told Cool FM, a Nigerian radio station.
Unfortunately, the supermodel had to withdraw from the South African competition for her and her family’s safety.
Despite these challenges, Chidinma Adetshina received an invitation from Silverbird Nigeria to return to her Father’s home country and compete to represent Nigeria in the contest. After much consideration, she accepted the invite and competed in Nigeria, winning the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 title.
This win allowed her to represent Nigeria on the global stage at the Miss Universe competition, where she made history as the first runner-up and earned widespread admiration for her resilience and poise.
Nigerians have flooded social media with expressions of pride in her historic achievement, celebrating her as a shining example of resilience and excellence. Chidinma Adetshina has become more than just an icon of beauty and integrity—she is now a symbol of perseverance and the power an African woman can wield when pursuing her dreams.
