Chidimma Adetshina redefines resilience: Miss Africa shines through challenges to make history at Miss Universe.
(EPICSTORIAN) – Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has expressed pride in her groundbreaking achievements at the Miss Universe competition, where she placed second and earned the Miss Africa and Oceania title.
Speaking shortly after the event in Mexico City on Monday, November 18, 2024, Adetshina remarked, “I’m so proud of myself, and I just made history.”
The competition was not without challenges for her, a law student who has faced xenophobic backlash and legal controversies in South Africa.
Despite being born and raised there, her Nigerian heritage led to severe criticism when she initially competed in the Miss South Africa contest.
South African authorities also announced plans to revoke her identity documents, alleging her mother, who has Mozambican roots, committed identity fraud to secure South African nationality.
Officials clarified that Adetshina could not have been involved as she was an infant at the time. Neither she nor her mother has commented on the allegations.
Amid the turbulence, Adetshina pivoted to the Miss Nigeria competition, which she won, securing her spot in Miss Universe .
Adetshina highest-placed Black African woman in the pageant After Zozibini Tunzi Win
Her participation, however unsuccessful, marks a significant achievement, as she is the highest-placed Black African woman in the pageant since South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi won in 2019.
In an earlier interview with BBC, Adetshina described herself as “proudly South African” and “proudly Nigerian,” highlighting her dual identity.
However, her success at Miss Universe reignited debates, with some South Africans questioning her representation of their country. Despite this, she continues to inspire other women with her resilience.
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Following her Miss Universe journey, Adetshina revealed plans to seek therapy to cope with the trauma stemming from online abuse and national scrutiny.
Her story of perseverance and cultural pride has captured global attention, reaffirming her position as a trailblazer in the pageant world.
