Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina emerges second at Miss Universe 2024

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria and Nigeria’s representative, Chidimma Adetshina, has emerged the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico.

The final moments of the prestigious event at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico announced early Sunday morning saw an electrifying face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women stood poised to claim the crown.

The competition, described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.

In a post via Instagram, the organisers said, “The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.”

Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig took home the crown, defeating Adetshina in the final, while contestants from Bolivia, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Russia, Chile, Thailand, Canada, and Peru also made it to the top 12.

Chidimma’s journey to the top was remarkable. She impressed judges and the audience with her thoughtful answers on diversity and human respect.

Initially, she made it to the top 30 finalists and gradually rose to the top five contenders, ultimately securing the top two spots alongside Theilvig.

Theilvig, however, took over the crown from Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

Expressing excitement and pride after the event, Adetshina said, “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!”

Chidimma’s feat means she is the first Nigerian woman to take the second spot — following in the footsteps of Agbani Darego was a contestant at Miss Universe 2001.

Darego became the first Nigerian to place among the top 10 semi-finalists, finishing seventh overall.

Chidimma’s path to Miss Universe was not without controversy. Born to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, she faced criticism and withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant due to her nationality.

However, Silverbird Group, organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria, invited her to participate, and she was crowned the pageant’s winner.

Recently, Chidimma revealed she waited seven years to be able to walk the Miss Universe stage.

“Win or not I am so proud of myself and filled with so much joy and fulfilment for I am about to accomplish what once seemed impossible. I envisioned this moment and I’m about to make it a reality,” she had said.

“This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally. The tears, the pain, the trauma. The days I felt like giving up, the days I felt unworthy and undeserving, however, I refuse to let anyone or anything dim my vision.

“This achievement is not just mine but it’s for NIGERIA, it’s for AFRICA. Your support and encouragement have been the fuel to my fire.”