Nigerian beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina has made history as the first Nigerian to claim the first runner-up position at the Miss Universe pageant, finishing second in the 2024 edition held on November 16 in Mexico City.
Competing against over 120 contestants from across the globe, Adetshina achieved Nigeria’s best performance ever in this prestigious competition.
Chidimma’s journey to Miss Universe has not been without controversy. She previously entered the Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew amid criticism regarding her nationality and issues raised by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs concerning her mother’s documents.
Subsequently, she was invited to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria, where she triumphed over 24 other contestants to secure the title.
The 2024 Miss Universe crown was ultimately awarded to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, marking her as the first Dane to win the title in 61 years.
The top five finalists were rounded out by Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, who finished third, along with representatives from Thailand and Venezuela.
This year’s pageant was hailed as one of the most inclusive in Miss Universe history, featuring first-time entries from Iran and Somalia and an expanded lineup of 30 semifinalists, showcasing remarkable diversity and global representation.
As the newly crowned Miss Universe 2024, Theilvig will embark on a year-long reign dedicated to charitable initiatives and advocating for women’s empowerment worldwide.
