Miss Nigeria Expresses Pride After Achieving Second Place in Miss Universe Amidst Challenges

Chidimma Adetshina, representing Nigeria, conveyed her pride regarding her second-place finish in the Miss Universe competition and her recognition as Miss Africa and Oceania. “I’m so proud of myself and I just made history,” she stated shortly after the announcement of Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, as the winner. Adetshina initially participated in the Miss South Africa contest, having been born and raised in South Africa. However, she encountered trolling and xenophobic abuse because her father is Nigerian. Last month, South African authorities announced their intention to revoke her identity papers. This followed allegations that her mother, who has Mozambican roots, had engaged in identity fraud to acquire South African nationality. Neither Adetshina nor her mother has provided a statement regarding these allegations. South African authorities highlighted that Adetshina could not have been involved in any alleged fraud, given she was an infant at the time. Following the controversy in South Africa and questions surrounding her nationality, she entered and won the Miss Nigeria competition, thereby qualifying for the Miss Universe contest held in Mexico City. Mia le Roux, who ultimately won Miss South Africa, withdrew from Miss Universe last week, citing an undisclosed medical condition. She holds the distinction of being the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa. In September, Adetshina, who is a law student, informed the BBC that she continued to identify as “proudly South African” and “proudly Nigerian.” However, after Miss Universe South Africa posted a tweet congratulating her on her second-place achievement, accompanied by both South African and Nigerian flags, some South Africans commented that she did not represent them. During her BBC interview, Adetshina stated her intention to seek therapy to address the trauma resulting from the abuse she experienced. She holds the distinction of being the highest-placed black African woman in Miss Universe since Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa secured victory in the competition in 2019.