Chidimma Adetshina, a 22-year-old beauty queen representing Nigeria, has expressed her excitement after achieving the first runner-up position at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant. The grand finale took place at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, with Miss Denmark, Victoria Theilvig, claiming the top title among 124 contestants worldwide.

The competition’s climax featured an intense moment as Adetshina and Theilvig stood as the final two contestants. Ultimately, Miss Denmark was crowned Miss Universe 2024, succeeding Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, Miss Universe 2023.

Adetshina, who also earned the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, shared her joy during a post-event interview, saying, “I’m so excited. I don’t have words to describe what I’m feeling right now, but I’m so proud of myself, and I just made history!”

The Miss Universe Nigeria organisation celebrated her achievement in a social media post, praising her as a “Beauty with Brains and Humility.” Adetshina’s performance marked the highest placement for a Nigerian contestant in Miss Universe history.

Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Adetshina faced challenges on her journey to international recognition. A law student and model raised in Cape Town, she previously participated in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew after facing severe online harassment over her Nigerian roots.

Despite these obstacles, Adetshina’s success at Miss Universe highlights her resilience and poise, earning her accolades and setting a new benchmark for representation from Nigeria.