Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina Overcomes Adversity to Shine at Miss Universe 2024

The 23-year-old's achievement has been a journey filled with emotional highs and lows, marked by significant adversity and triumph.

Adetshina’s path to the Miss Universe stage has been far from smooth. Initially a contestant in her home country of South Africa, she faced backlash from both trolls and lawmakers who objected to her Nigerian roots. The situation worsened when South African authorities began investigating whether her mother had committed identity fraud to obtain South African citizenship, with a potential threat to revoke their passports. Faced with mounting pressure and personal challenges, Adetshina made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition in South Africa.

However, what seemed like a setback in her home country turned into a victory for Nigeria, as Adetshina was able to represent the country on the global stage. Her second-place finish at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant marks Nigeria's biggest success in the competition since 2019 and highlights the resilience and determination of this remarkable young woman.

This win is not only a personal achievement for Adetshina but also a significant moment for Africa as a whole, showcasing the continent’s strength, beauty, and spirit on the global stage. While some detractors may still harbor negative views, this moment of triumph should serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the ability to turn adversity into success.