CHIDIMMA Adetshina’s second-place finish in the 2023 Miss Universe competition has made history for Nigeria, marking the country’s highest-ever placement in the prestigious global pageant.
Adetshina, 23, earned the title of first runner-up, coming in just behind Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig. She was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania during the glamorous event in Mexico on Saturday night.
Her journey to Miss Universe was anything but ordinary. Initially a contestant in Miss South Africa, Adetshina withdrew from the competition in August, citing the need to “protect herself and her family” after her mother was accused of stealing the identity of a South African woman. The matter is currently under investigation by South African authorities.
Despite facing weeks of xenophobic abuse and questioning of her citizenship—largely due to her Nigerian name and father—Adetshina did not give up on her dreams. She was invited to compete in the Miss Nigeria contest, which she won, securing her place in the Miss Universe competition.
Reflecting on her journey, Adetshina expressed her heartfelt gratitude in an Instagram post:
“To Nigeria: thank you is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest,” she said. “To Africa: thank you for showing your love and support. As much as I represent Nigeria, Africa fought for me.”
Adetshina’s second-place finish is a monumental achievement, making her the highest-placed Black African woman in Miss Universe since South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi won the crown in 2019.
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