Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina has achieved a remarkable feat, finishing as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico.
The thrilling finale, which concluded early Sunday morning, saw an intense face-off between Nigeria’s Adetshina and Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig. Ultimately, Theilvig clinched the crown, taking over from the outgoing Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
In a statement on Instagram, the organisers described the moment as historic, stating, “The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.”
Adetshina’s performance throughout the competition captivated both judges and audiences, earning her widespread admiration for her elegance, intelligence, and poise.
This milestone comes after a controversial chapter in Adetshina’s journey. Earlier this year, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa 2024 contest, where she had reached the final stage, following questions raised by some South Africans about her nationality. She then returned to represent Taraba State in Nigeria, ultimately claiming the title of Miss Universe Nigeria.
The competition marked another proud moment for Nigeria on the global stage, drawing comparisons to Agbani Darego’s historic 2001 victory as the first Black African to win Miss World. Darego’s triumph, which remains a defining moment for the continent, paved the way for future generations of Nigerian beauty queens to shine on international platforms.
Adetshina’s achievement has sparked celebrations across Nigeria, with many praising her as a source of inspiration and a symbol of Nigerian excellence.
