Chidimma Adetshina made history as she emerged as the 1st runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe competition held in Mexico City in 2024 in a dazzling night of pure elegance. Competing against 130 contestants from around the globe, she shattered records as the first Nigerian to achieve such a feat as she stood beside the newly crowned Miss Universe, Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig. Adetshina also earned the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, cementing her status as a trailblazer for women of African descent in the global beauty industry.
But behind the crown, the sash, and the applause lies a story of struggle, perseverance, and triumph over xenophobia. Adetshina’s journey from being labeled “not South African enough” to becoming an international sensation as Nigeria’s representative is a story of unwavering determination and proving to herself, “she can do it”
The Xenophobic Backlash That Tried to Silence Her
Adetshina’s story gained international attention not for her triumphs but for the controversies that preceded them. Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother with South African roots, she grew up in Cape Town. Her upbringing, steeped in the vibrant culture of South Africa, made her feel fully South African. However, her dual heritage would later become a point of contention when she entered the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant.
Social media erupted with xenophobic vitriol, with critics questioning her South Africanness “Not South African Enough”. Comments ranged from dismissive to overtly hostile, accusing her of being an outsider unworthy of representing South Africa. A petition demanding her disqualification amassed thousands of signatures, reflecting the deep-seated xenophobia and Afrophobia in segments of South African society.
The situation escalated when the South African Home Affairs Department launched an investigation into allegations of identity fraud against Adetshina’s mother. Though officials confirmed Adetshina could not have participated in any alleged wrongdoing as an infant, the accusations added fuel to the fire. The relentless scrutiny forced her to withdraw from the competition, citing safety concerns for herself and her family.
“I pulled out because my safety and that of my family were at risk,” she shared in an interview, describing the immense psychological toll the ordeal took on her. Therapy, she admitted, became essential to processing the trauma caused by the vitriol and public attacks on her identity.
This controversy shone a spotlight on systemic biases in beauty pageants, not just in South Africa but globally. Similar instances of racial or heritage-based discrimination have emerged over the years, including the criticism faced by Miss Universe Japan 2015, Ariana Miyamoto, for being biracial, and Miss Algeria 2019, Khadija Ben Hamou, for her darker complexion.
A New Beginning: How Nigeria Gave Her the Second Chance She Needed
Amidst the turmoil, Adetshina found an unexpected lifeline. The Silverbird Group, organizers of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, invited her to compete in her father’s homeland. This gesture was met with mixed reactions in Nigeria, where some viewed it as favoritism due to her international profile. Yet for many, it symbolized solidarity and an affirmation of her right to represent her heritage.
Adetshina embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly, entering the competition at its final stages to represent Taraba State. On August 31, 2024, she was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, securing her spot on the global stage.
“This was my second chance,” she said. “I didn’t want to accept it at first, but I’m a go-getter. Why not give it another try?”
Her victory in Nigeria was a statement against xenophobia and prejudice. It demonstrated that heritage is multifaceted and that identity can transcend borders. “It’s about accepting differences, not using them as barriers to divide us,” she remarked, framing her success as both personal and symbolic.
Making History on the Global Stage as 1st Runner Up Miss Universe
With the weight of two nations on her shoulders—Nigeria and South Africa—Adetshina stepped onto the Miss Universe stage in Mexico City. Competing against 130 delegates from around the world, she excelled at every stage of the competition. From the Top 30 to the Top 12 and finally to the Top 5, her poise, intelligence, and advocacy for inclusivity left an indelible mark on the judges and audience.
“As I stepped onto the Miss Universe stage, I carried with me millions of beads of love, strength, and an unstoppable spirit,” she shared. Her performance earned her the first runner-up position, making history as the highest-ranking Nigerian contestant ever.
As she stood on the glittering stage, clad in her bedazzling gown looking fashionably adorable after showcasing her NJIKOKA piece her national costume, and a masterpiece of cultural significance., adorned with coral pearls, cowrie shells, and raffia, the costume celebrated Nigeria’s diversity and resilience. The headpiece symbolized ancestral authority, while the staff she carried represented wisdom and leadership.
A Voice Against Xenophobia: Her Story Sparks Global Conversations
Adetshina’s journey has ignited vital conversations about identity, inclusivity, and representation. Her resilience in overcoming xenophobia has inspired countless individuals facing similar challenges. “Her achievement is not just hers but a victory for every African woman who has ever been told they don’t belong,” said Melissa Nayimuli, a former Miss South Africa contestant who faced similar backlash.
Her experience also sheds light on the broader societal need to embrace multicultural identities. In a world where globalization continues to blur traditional notions of nationality, Adetshina’s story is a reminder that diversity is a strength, not a threat.
What’s Next for Chidimma Adetshina?
Now a brand ambassador for Enugu State in Nigeria, Adetshina is using her platform to advocate for education, empowerment, and inclusivity. She has become a beacon of hope for those facing identity-based discrimination, showing that adversity can be a stepping stone to greatness. “History Is Being Made Through My Story” she said.
An unverified online claim suggests that Chidimma Adetshina’s runner-up position comes with an impressive array of rewards, including a cash prize of $100,000, a one-year lease on a luxury apartment in New York City, a diamond-encrusted crown valued at $3 million, and coverage of travel expenses for all Miss Universe-related activities throughout her reign. She has also expressed interest in venturing into the entertainment industry, particularly as a television presenter.
Adetshina’s journey to Miss Universe stardom is a powerful reminder that challenges can shape us, but they do not define us. Adetshina’s story is not merely about overcoming adversity but redefining what it means to belong. It is a story of a woman who refused to let hate dictate her identity and instead chose to celebrate every facet of her heritage.
