Chidimma Adetshina, the model who faced xenophobic backlash and was forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, has emerged as the winner of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. The 23-year-old law student, who was born to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother and raised in Soweto, was announced as the winner at the grand finale held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, on Saturday.
Adetshina’s participation in the South African pageant was marred by abuse from some South Africans who questioned her eligibility due to her father’s nationality. The controversy led South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, to investigate her citizenship, resulting in claims that her mother might have used a stolen South African identity.
With her victory in Nigeria, Adetshina will receive N10 million and other prizes, and will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this November.
