Miss Nigeria’s Pride After Defying Trolls to Shine at Miss Universe

Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has expressed her immense pride after achieving second place in the Miss Universe competition, while also being named Miss Africa and Oceania.

“I’m so proud of myself and I just made history,” she said, shortly after losing out to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig.

Adetshina initially competed in the Miss South Africa contest, as she was born and raised in the country. However, she faced significant trolling and xenophobic abuse due to her Nigerian heritage through her father.

Last month, South African authorities announced their intention to strip her of her identity papers, following claims that her mother, who has Mozambican roots, committed identity fraud to secure South African nationality. Neither Adetshina nor her mother have commented on the allegations. Officials noted that Adetshina was an infant during any alleged wrongdoing and could not have participated.

Amid the controversy and questions surrounding her nationality, Adetshina entered and won the Miss Nigeria competition, earning her place in the Miss Universe event held in Mexico City.

The winner of Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, 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.