Nigerian beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina has made history as the first Nigerian to secure the first runner-up position at the Miss Universe pageant. This remarkable achievement took place during the 2024 edition of the global competition, held on November 16 in Mexico City. Competing against over 120 contestants from across the world, Adetshina delivered Nigeria’s best performance in the history of this prestigious pageant.
Chidimma’s journey to Miss Universe has been both inspiring and challenging. Before representing Nigeria, she participated in the Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew following controversies surrounding her nationality. These issues were amplified by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, which raised questions about her mother’s documentation. Despite these setbacks, Chidimma embraced the opportunity to represent her home country. She entered the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant and emerged victorious, triumphing over 24 other contestants to earn the national title.
At the grand finale, the coveted Miss Universe 2024 crown went to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, making her the first Dane to win the title in 61 years. The top five finalists included Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, who finished third, alongside representatives from Thailand and Venezuela.
This year’s Miss Universe pageant was celebrated as one of the most inclusive editions in its history. It featured first-time participants from Iran and Somalia and expanded its lineup to include 30 semifinalists, showcasing remarkable diversity and global representation.
As the first runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina’s achievement has brought immense pride to Nigeria. Her story serves as a beacon of resilience and determination, inspiring young women across the globe to pursue their dreams. Meanwhile, the newly crowned Miss Universe, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, is set to embark on a year-long reign dedicated to charitable initiatives and advocating for women’s empowerment worldwide.
Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina has achieved a remarkable feat as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico.
The grand finale, hosted early Sunday morning at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, culminated in a tense showdown between Nigeria and Denmark. The suspense-filled moment saw Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig crowned as Miss Universe 2024, succeeding Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, the 2023 titleholder.
This year’s competition, celebrated for its celebration of talent, intelligence, and elegance, was described as one of the most captivating in recent years. Organizers highlighted the excitement in a social media post:
The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.
Chidimma Adetshina’s exceptional performance drew admiration from judges and audiences alike, who were captivated by her poise, charisma, and stage presence throughout the competition.
Adetshina’s journey to the global stage was not without its challenges. Earlier this year, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa 2024 contest after advancing to the final stage, amid debates surrounding her eligibility due to her nationality. Undeterred, she represented Taraba State at the national level, clinching the Miss Universe Nigeria title, which secured her spot on the world stage.
Her achievement recalls the historic victory of Nigeria’s Agbani Darego, who became the first Black African woman to win the Miss World crown on November 16, 2001, at the age of 18. Adetshina’s success continues to inspire hope and pride among Nigerians and reinforces the country’s presence in global beauty pageants.
This milestone underscores the growing influence of African beauty queens on the global stage and highlights the transformative power of diversity in international platforms like Miss Universe.
