Chidimma Adetshina, the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has firmly dismissed allegations that she won the pageant out of sympathy.
Addressing the criticism during an interview with Arise News, Adetshina stated, “A lot of people felt like it was a pity win. I don’t think so. I feel like I really worked so hard, coming from the South Africa journey. We spent like 10 weeks in camp, going through the whole journey.” She emphasized that her experience was on par with the other contestants and her victory was well-earned.
Adetshina had previously withdrawn from the Miss South Africa pageant in August 2024 following allegations of fraud and identity theft involving her mother, which led to xenophobic backlash. She later accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where she emerged victorious.
