The newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidinma Adetshina, broke down in tears as she recounted her experience in the South African version of the pageantry.
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Chidimma withdrew from the Miss South Africa contest because of her nationality. Born to a Nigerian father in Soweto, Chidimma Adetshina was subjected to weeks of xenophobic attacks on social media after she made the final cut for the Miss South Africa beauty contest.

“It all started because of my name, Chidimma,” she said in an interview. “People were not happy about my name. They were not happy that I was representing South Africa. South Africans thought that I was not South African enough and that was so heartbreaking… I would not wish that for anybody.”

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Despite being in Nigeria for the first time in about 20 years, the 23-year-old law student said she has been accepted and loved by Nigerians.
“The love I have received has been exceptional. I feel loved by everybody here in Nigeria and also globally,” she said.

Chidimma Adetshina received her crown as Miss Universe Nigeria on Saturday, 31st August 2024.
“This journey has been a tough journey for me,” she wrote in an Instagram post after being crowned. “I am so proud of myself, and I am really grateful for the love and support.”

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