Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina has made history as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition, held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico. The final moments of the prestigious event, which concluded early Sunday morning, saw a dramatic face-off between Adetshina and Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who eventually clinched the crown.
The competition, hailed as one of the most thrilling in recent years, showcased the talents, intelligence, and grace of women from across the globe. In a post shared on Instagram, the organizers celebrated the climax of the event, stating: “The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.”
Miss Denmark’s victory marks the start of her reign, succeeding Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. However, Adetshina’s extraordinary performance and poise earned her widespread admiration from the judges and audience alike, solidifying her as a global icon of beauty and elegance.
Adetshina’s journey to the international stage wasn’t without challenges. Months prior, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa 2024 contest, where she had reached the finals, following concerns raised by some South Africans over her nationality. Undeterred, she went on to represent Taraba State and secure the title of Miss Universe Nigeria, paving the way for her stellar showing at the global competition.
This achievement adds to Nigeria’s legacy of excellence in international beauty pageants. In 2001, Agbani Darego made history as the first Black African to win the Miss World title at just 18 years old. Her groundbreaking victory became a symbol of inspiration, with “Agbani” becoming synonymous with beauty and elegance in Nigeria.
Adetshina’s accomplishment at Miss Universe 2024 not only highlights her personal triumph but also underscores Nigeria’s continued prominence on the global stage, celebrating the country’s beauty, talent, and resilience.
