Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina put the controversy of her rejection by South Africa behind her to emphatically make history by emerging as the first runner-up at the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant held at the Arena CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico’
Although she narrowly lost to the winner, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, her podium finish is celebrated across Nigeria, and could further add fuel to the raging Nigeria/South Africa social media feud.
It would be recalled that Chidimma was controversially forced to drop off of the Miss Universe South Africa after reaching the finals because of xenophobia-motivated calls for her removal due to her South African-Nigerian lineage.
She was subsequently denied her place and was forced to leave the country and return to Nigeria, where she contested and won as Miss Universe Taraba.
This year marked the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe competition, showcasing fierce rivalry among 126 contestants representing countries worldwide, including 17 other participants from African nations including Angola, and Egypt.
The Miss Universe 2024 pageant took place in Mexico City on November 16, 2024, and saw 125 contestants from around the world competing for the coveted title.
This year’s competition was historic, with Cuba returning to the pageant and countries like Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, and Uzbekistan making their debut.
The final competition included a grand parade and gala, culminating in the crowning of the new Miss Universe. The top 30 contestants were announced, and five finalists, including Chidimma, competed in the final round.
The winner was crowned by the outgoing Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
The event not only celebrated beauty but also highlighted the personal, professional, and philanthropic achievements of the contestants, making it a platform for empowerment and representation.
