Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina emerged as the first-runner up at the Miss Universe 2024.
Glamtush reports that Nigeria’s representative, Chidimma Adetshina, finished as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico.
The final moments of the prestigious event at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico announced early Sunday morning saw an electrifying face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women stood poised to claim the crown.
The competition, described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.
In a post via Instagram, the organisers said, “The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.”
Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, ultimately won the crown taking over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
In an interview following her success and shared on X.com by the Miss Universe Nigeria organisation, Adetshina expressed excitement and pride, saying, “I’m so excited. I don’t have words to describe what I’m feeling right now, but I’m so proud of myself, and I just made history!”
Meanwhile, Adetshina’s exceptional performance and grace earned her widespread admiration from judges and audiences alike.
Earlier, Adetshina’s official withdrawal from the Miss South Africa 2024 contest, which she had advanced to the final stage of, caused controversy a few months ago.
She decided in response to worries expressed by some South Africans who questioned her nationality.
Born to a Nigerian father in South Africa, the 23-year-old withdrew from the country’s competition “for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I” after a backlash that exposed anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa.
Her Nigerian heritage attracted vicious xenophobic attacks and sparked controversy when she was announced as a Miss South Africa finalist in July, while the government said it was investigating a claim that her mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman.
Despite not being in the country in 20 years, organisers of the Nigerian contest invited her to join their final, saying it was a chance for her to “represent your father’s native land on an international stage”.
The nationality controversy notwithstanding, Adetshina insisted she loved South Arica and was grateful for the support from the country.
Nevertheless, Adetshina went on to represent Taraba State and won the title of Miss Universe Nigeria.
This is not the first time a Nigerian has achieved this feat.
On November 16, 2001, Nigeria’s Agbani Darego became the first Black African to win the coveted Miss World title at the age of 18.
As a result of her success, “Agbani” became a phrase linked to slender beauty in Nigeria, where many women looked up to her appearance.
As the first Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria winner to win Miss World, Agbani’s triumph rippled throughout Nigeria and was a great moment for the continent.
