In brief
Chidimma Adetshina, crowned Miss Nigeria, proudly secured the second position in the Miss Universe competition and was also named Miss Africa and Oceania. Despite facing trolling and identity scrutiny in South Africa, her achievement has made her the highest placed black African woman in the pageant since 2019.
Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has expressed her immense pride after securing the second position in the prestigious Miss Universe competition while also earning the titles of Miss Africa and Oceania. Adetshina's historic achievement is significant as it makes her the highest placed black African woman in the contest since South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi claimed victory in 2019. After losing to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, Adetshina expressed her elation, stating, "I'm so proud of myself and I just made history." Originally participating in the Miss South Africa pageant due to her upbringing in the country, she encountered severe trolling and xenophobic abuse due to her Nigerian heritage. Complications arose last month when South African authorities threatened to revoke her identity papers over allegations that her mother, who has roots in Mozambique, committed identity fraud to obtain South African nationality. Although the claims surfaced, neither Adetshina nor her mother has publicly addressed the matter. Authorities clarified that Adetshina could not have been involved in any alleged wrongdoing, as she was just a child during the time in question.Following the controversies in South Africa, Adetshina turned her focus to the Miss Nigeria competition, where she emerged victorious, allowing her to represent the country in the Miss Universe event held in Mexico City. Originally, the crowned Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, withdrew from the pageant due to undisclosed health concerns, marking her as the first deaf woman to hold that title.In a previous BBC interview, the law student described her identity as "proudly South African" and "proudly Nigerian." However, her participation prompted mixed reactions among South Africans, particularly after Miss Universe South Africa celebrated her win with a tweet showcasing both Nigerian and South African flags, sparking further criticism.Adetshina has decided to seek therapy to address the mental and emotional impact of the trolling and xenophobic abuse she's endured. Her monumental success in Miss Universe not only marks a personal triumph but also stands as a significant moment in representing black African women on the global stage.
